The Hundred: Top six reasons to watch the extraordinary 100-ball cricket fiesta

The Hundred, a revolutionary 100-ball cricket tournament, is all set to kick off on 1st August 2023. Its unique format and unparalleled excitement make it a much-awaited event in the cricketing calendar. So, why does this tournament need to be on must-watch list of cricket fans? Here are the top compelling reasons:

100 Balls of Pure Excitement

Each game in The Hundred is an explosive blend of boundary-hitting and quick running between the wickets. The eight teams - Birmingham Phoenix, London Spirit, Manchester Originals, Northern Superchargers, Oval Invincibles, Southern Brave, Trent Rockets, and Welsh Fire, will compete fiercely, with each team having just 100 balls to set or chase a score. Every ball matter, making every single match a thrilling showdown. With the high stakes, expect adrenaline-fueled chases and breath-taking finishes in every game.

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A Refreshing Twist on Cricket

This is not a regular cricket format. There is a significant change in The Hundred wherein a bowler can bowl a set of either five or ten consecutive balls, with a maximum of 20 deliveries per game. Each bowling side gets a strategic timeout of up to 90 seconds. They can choose when they use it. The coach can walk out to the middle of the ground and discuss tactics with their players during the timeout. A 25-ball power-play is given to each team at the start of their batting innings. During the power play, two fielders are allowed outside of the 30-yard fielding circle. These innovative rules add a new strategic depth to the game, making it more captivating and engaging for the spectators.

The Stars of the Show

The Hundred Tournament serves as a platform for cricketing superstars like Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, and many other emerging talents. It will be fascinating to watch these stars adapt their game to this brand-new format, often resulting in thrilling cricketing moments. The unique format allows these players to experiment and highlight their skills, making every match an exciting prospect.

Indian Power in the Women's Game

The Women's Hundred runs parallel to the men's tournament, displaying equal intensity and class. This year's edition will be extra special with Indian powerhouses Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemima Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh taking the field. Watch them bring their explosive batting to England, and challenge the world's best in a unique format, making the women's competition as thrilling as the men's.

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A Celebration of British Culture

The Hundred is not just about cricket; it is about celebrating the diverse, vibrant culture of England and Wales. This event encapsulates the pulsating energy of a music festival with the competitive spirit of cricket. From sizzling local delicacies that tease your taste buds to foot-tapping live music that gets your heart racing, The Hundred is an unforgettable social event with cricket at its heart.

Equal Footing for Men and Women

One of the most progressive aspects of The Hundred is that it treats men's and women's cricket as equals, both in terms of scheduling and exposure. Unlike many other tournaments, The Hundred ensures that both men and women's games get equal prominence, with many of their matches being played back-to-back at the same venue. This ground-breaking approach has given women's cricket a much-deserved boost, making The Hundred an essential watch for every cricket fan.

Memorable Moments 

The Hundred has provided unforgettable cricketing moments that are etched in the annals of the sport. From the nail-biting finish of the inaugural match, with Oval Invincibles snatching a victory from the jaws of defeat in the final ball thriller to Liam Livingstone's blistering knocks that sent the crowd into a frenzy, the tournament has given various high-octane instances. Indian sensation Jemimah Rodrigues' attracted eyeballs with her exceptional innings for Northern Superchargers, which was the highest individual score in the women's tournament. These moments made The Hundred a true spectacle, offering plenty of reasons to tune in for the next season.

*Watch the LIVE Coverage of The Hundred (Women’s Format) on Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 5 HD & SD channels on 1st August from 7:30 PM IST.

*Watch the LIVE Coverage of The Hundred (Men’s format) on Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD on 1st August 2023 from 11:00 PM IST.