What is the Format of the Hundred? – Explained

Cricket is one of those few global sports that are played in different formats. It all started with those timeless Tests, then came ODIs and T20s took the world by storm.

Now, Test, ODI and T20 are the three main formats. But in recent years, we have seen new, shortened formats crop up. 

The Hundred format, introduced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), is one of them, trying to gain a stronghold among the other renowned T20 leagues.

Now, what is this Hundred competition? How does the format work?

Well, let’s get to know the format of The Hundred competition.

What is The Hundred?

As the name suggests, The Hundred is a 100-ball cricket league, a shortened version of the T20 format. The ECB, which also invented T20 cricket, is the brainchild behind the creation of the competition.

What was the need for a different format?

Well, the ECB noticed that the younger audience was losing interest in cricket. 

So in 2021, they launched a fast-paced and easier-to-follow format to bring back the younger crowd.

So what’s the format of The Hundred?

Most of the rules are the same as T20 cricket, though the league has made some tweaks.

Innings

As usual, each match has two innings of 100 balls each. Each innings lasts for approximately 65 minutes, with a 15-minute break in between. There’s also a strategic timeout of 90 seconds in each innings.

So a single Hundred match runs for roughly two and a half hours, which is 30 minutes shorter than a full T20 game. 

Overs

Unlike T20 cricket, a single over is made up of five balls in The Hundred. A bowler can deliver a maximum of 20 balls or four overs per innings.

Notably, a bowler can either bowl five consecutive balls (one over) or 10 balls in a row (two overs). After every 10 balls, the fielding side changes their bowling end.

Powerplay

Each team gets a powerplay of 25 balls, which means the first five overs. During the powerplay phase, only two fielders can field outside of the 30-yard circle.

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Also Read | The Powerplay Overs Rule in T20 Cricket

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How many teams play in The Hundred?

The ECB organises The Hundred tournament for both men and women. A total of eight teams representing seven cities in England and Wales play in both leagues.

Half the teams have owners linked to the IPL franchises, with the others also having private investors.

Here is the list of The Hundred teams:

• Birmingham Phoenix
• London Spirit
• Manchester Super Giants (formerly Manchester Originals) 
• MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles) 
• Southern Brave 
• Trent Rockets 
• Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers)
• Welsh Fire

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