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The Men's Hundred 2024 returns with the first game of the tournament taking place on Tuesday, July 23. Oval Invincibles are the defending champions, having beaten Manchester Originals in the final in 2023.
This is the fourth season of the Men's Hundred and eight teams will fight it out once again in the 100-ball tournament. Oval Invincibles will begin their title defense against Birmingham Pheonix in the opening game at The Oval.
We look at each team's strengths and weaknesses, ranking them from potential playoff hopefuls to the team most likely to lift the trophy.
Ranking all teams ahead of the Men's Hundred 2024
#8 Birmingham Phoenix (finished 6th in 2023)
Despite the big-hitting talents of Liam Livingstone and the experience of Chris Woakes, the Phoenix struggled for consistency in the Men's Hundred 2023. Their batting lacked depth, and their bowling attack, reliant on Woakes, lacked a consistent supporting cast.
The acquisition of Australian all-rounder Sean Abbott offers T20 expertise, but the Phoenix will need significant improvement from their younger players to climb the table.
#7 Trent Rockets (finished 5th in 2023)
While Joe Root's elegant batting and Rashid Khan's world-class leg-spin are undeniable assets, the Rockets haven't quite found the winning formula. Their batting, reliant on Root and Dawid Malan, can be inconsistent at times.
Outside of Khan, their bowling attack lacks a standout option, and they will need to find a better balance to challenge for the top spots.
#6 London Spirit (finished 7th in 2023)
The Spirit desperately needed a spark in their batting lineup and the explosive power of West Indian Andre Russell provides just that. Ollie Pope adds much-needed stability at the top of the order but question marks remain around their bowling attack.
While experienced fast bowler Richard Gleeson is a threat, their spin options are limited and they will need a collective effort to improve on their disappointing 2023 campaign.
#5 Northern Superchargers (finished bottom in 2023)
The return of England's talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes, albeit for a limited period, injects a much-needed dose of experience and power into the Superchargers' batting lineup. On the other hand, Australian signing Matthew Short offers all-round value with his off-spin bowling and aggressive batting.
However, their bowling attack, which includes raw talent in players like Adam Lyth and Matthew Potts, needs to find more consistency, especially in the crucial death overs if are they to perform well in the Men's Hundred 2024.
#4 Welsh Fire (finished 4th in 2023)
The Fire surprised many in 2023, narrowly missing out on the playoffs. Jonny Bairstow's destructive batting at the top of the order remains a key weapon while the fiery pace of Pakistani quick Haris Rauf provides a genuine wicket-taking threat.
However, their middle order lacks experience compared to some other teams and their spin options are limited, which could be exposed against strong opposition.
#3 Southern Brave (finished 3rd in 2023 and Eliminator losers)
The Brave were just one win away from the final in 2023 and their core group remains strong. The return of Jofra Archer to their bowling attack adds a world-class pace option alongside the ever-reliable Chris Jordan.
New Zealand opener Finn Allen, the second-highest run-scorer in the 2023 edition, provides explosiveness at the top of the batting order. While their middle-order depth could be a concern, the Brave are a well-rounded unit with a winning mentality.
#2 Manchester Originals (finished 2nd in 2023)
The heartbreak of losing the final in the Men's Hundred 2023 will only motivate the Originals this year. They boast a strong leadership group in Jos Buttler, whose aggressive batting sets the tone at the top, and Phil Salt, another explosive opener.
The addition of young Afghan left-arm quick Fazalhaq Farooqi bolsters their bowling attack, which already boasts variety with the likes of Paul Walter, Sikandar Raza and leg-spinner Usama Mir.
The Originals were a force to be reckoned with in 2023, and they will be strong contenders again this season.
#1 Oval Invincibles (Champions in 2023)
The reigning champions return a formidable core group, with the acquisition of Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa further strengthening their bowling attack. All-rounders Sam Curran and Will Jacks provide crucial balance to the side while the emergence of young pace bowler Gus Atkinson offers an exciting prospect.
The Invincibles showed their championship mettle in 2023, and with a well-oiled unit and a winning mentality, they will be the team to beat in the Men's Hundred 2024.
