The anticipation is at an all time high as the fifth edition of the women’s Hundred is less than a month away. The England and Wales Cricket Board’s revolutionary 100-ball tournament has caught the world’s fancy with its innovative and exciting format. The Hundred women’s is one of the biggest franchise cricket league involving women and has been instrumental in bringing a lot of eyeballs to women’s cricket and taking women’s cricket to a new standard. Additionally, the ECB deciding...
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The Oval Invincibles women’s team have etched their name in The Hundred’s history books as one of the most dominant and successful franchises since the tournament's inception in 2021. Representing Surrey County and based out of the historic Kia Oval, the team has consistently delivered high-impact performances built on strong leadership, tactical depth, and a fierce competitive spirit.
From the very beginning, the Invincibles embraced the ethos of the Hundred — fast, fearless, and entertaining cricket. They struck gold right away with a squad led by South African legend Dane van Niekerk and featuring a core group of world-class players like Marizanne Kapp, Suzie Bates, and Shabnim Ismail. The mix of international experience and domestic flair helped them win the first-ever edition of The Hundred Women’s competition in 2021.
The momentum continued into 2022. Retaining the same leadership group, with van Niekerk at the helm and Bates as her deputy, the Oval Invincibles again showcased their dominance, going all the way to secure back-to-back titles. Their well-rounded bowling attack and clutch middle-order performances were key to their success. The back-to-back triumphs cemented their reputation as a team that thrived under pressure and knew how to finish big matches.
However, 2023 saw the team’s performance dip. Despite a star-studded squad, they failed to reach the playoffs, marking their first major setback in the competition. Injuries and inconsistency plagued their campaign, and the absence of Dane van Niekerk from the leadership role was felt across the board. The team needed a reboot, and that came in the form of a leadership change ahead of the 2024 season.
In 2024, the reins were handed to experienced England batter Lauren Winfield-Hill, with Jonathan Batty continuing as head coach. Under Lauren’s captaincy, the Invincibles regained their rhythm and made it back to the playoffs. Though they didn’t add a third title to their cabinet, the season was seen as a step in the right direction, a blend of rebuilding and resurgence.
Now, heading into the 2025 season, Oval Invincibles are once again in the spotlight. With Winfield-Hill leading a balanced squad featuring exciting English talent and reliable overseas names, and under the strategic guidance of coach Batty, the team is poised to chase a third title. As the tournament opens with a blockbuster London Derby against London Spirit, the Invincibles aim to remind everyone why they are the most decorated women’s team in the competition.
Since the inaugural edition of The Hundred in 2021, Oval Invincibles women’s side have set a gold standard in leadership and performance. The franchise, representing Surrey and based out of the iconic Kia Oval, has been known not just for its dominant performances but also for its well-rounded leadership group. With strong figures like Dane van Niekerk and Suzie Bates shaping the team’s early legacy, and Lauren Winfield-Hill ushering in a new phase, the Invincibles have combined experience, tactical clarity, and calm-headed control at the helm.
The Hundred Women’s tournament has been transformative for women’s cricket in England and globally. And at the heart of that transformation has been the consistent excellence of Oval Invincibles, guided by leaders who brought both international pedigree and inspirational presence.
Let’s take a deep dive into Oval Invincibles women’s captaincy and vice-captaincy story through the years:
Dane van Niekerk, the former South Africa skipper, was the first-ever captain of the Oval Invincibles women’s team. Her leadership set the tone for the franchise, and she delivered immediate success. With a blend of calmness, tactical nous, and big-match experience, van Niekerk guided the side to two consecutive titles in 2021 and 2022.
Her ability to marshal her bowling attack and get the best out of her players was instrumental in Invincibles’ early dominance. Even as the competition grew in intensity and talent pool, van Niekerk kept her team focused and sharp.
One of the most experienced international cricketers in the women’s game, New Zealand’s Suzie Bates served as the deputy to van Niekerk in 2022 and 2023. A natural leader and match-winner, Bates stepped up as the stand-in captain in 2023 when van Niekerk was unavailable.
Though the 2023 season was a dip in form for the franchise as they failed to make the playoffs, Bates' leadership was steady and composed. She maintained the team’s standards during a challenging phase and was a key mentor figure for younger players.
With Dane van Niekerk stepping back and Bates also no longer in a leadership role, England batter Lauren Winfield-Hill was appointed as full-time captain in 2024. Known for her experience at the top level and calm head under pressure, Winfield-Hill brought a new direction to the team.
Under her captaincy, the Invincibles returned to the playoffs after a disappointing 2023 season. Her batting form and smart captaincy decisions were key reasons for the team’s resurgence. While they didn’t go all the way in 2024, the signs were promising.
As of 2025, Winfield-Hill continues to lead the side with Jonathan Batty as head coach, and the franchise is once again eyeing a shot at the title.
The Oval Invincibles women’s team have firmly established themselves as the most successful franchise in the history of The Hundred Women’s competition. Representing Surrey and playing their home matches at the iconic Kia Oval in London, the team’s journey since 2021 has been marked by dominance, consistency, and an unwavering hunger for success. Now, with Lauren Winfield-Hill at the helm and Jonathan Batty as head coach, the Invincibles continue to challenge for top honours and remain among the most feared sides in the competition.
This table highlights the Invincibles’ dominance across seasons in The Hundred. Their highest team score of 163/2 came against Manchester Originals in 2022, showcasing their explosive top-order. They’ve enjoyed two near-perfect seasons in 2021 and 2022, each with six wins and four consecutive victories. With three playoff appearances, two finals, and two championships, they’ve been the benchmark of consistency. Their worst showing 101/7 in 2023 remains an outlier in an otherwise stellar record.
Since the launch of The Hundred in 2021, the Oval Invincibles women’s team have quickly established themselves as the gold standard in the competition. With a winning pedigree and a consistent core, the Invincibles have naturally developed fierce rivalries with other top sides in the league. These matchups have delivered big moments, iconic performances, and high-stakes drama becoming staples of The Hundred’s growing legacy.
Here’s a look at the key rivalries that have shaped the Oval Invincibles women’s journey so far:
This is the fiercest rivalry in The Hundred Women’s competition and rightly so. The two most successful teams clashed in back-to-back finals in 2021 and 2022, with Oval Invincibles emerging victorious on both occasions. Southern Brave, known for their star-studded top order and disciplined bowling unit, have always pushed the Invincibles to their limits. These encounters have been defined by big moments whether it’s Kapp’s brilliance with the ball, or match-winning innings from Suzie Bates and Alice Capsey.
The Oval Invincibles have played the Southern Brave six times in their history and have only once twice while the Brave have won four times. However, the Invincibles despite a losing record have the upper hand because both their wins over the Southern Brave have come in the Hundred women’s final.
The London Derby is one of the most anticipated matches in the calendar — not just for the cricketing rivalry but also for the sheer atmosphere it brings. It’s a battle for capital supremacy, played out in front of packed crowds and roaring fans. And while the games have often lived up to the hype in terms of intensity, the results have been overwhelmingly one-sided.
Oval Invincibles have dominated this fixture, flexing their all-round strength to keep their neighbours in check. Whether it's big knocks from Lauren Winfield-Hill or economical spells from Marizanne Kapp, the Invincibles have always found a way to stamp their authority.
A rivalry that’s still evolving, the contests between Oval Invincibles and Northern Superchargers have often featured explosive batting and thrilling finishes. With both teams frequently fighting for playoff spots, their games carry added importance. The Superchargers’ aggressive approach, led by key names like Alyssa Healy and Laura Wolvaardt, poses a real threat to the Invincibles’ structured gameplay. Their meetings have been among the most exciting in recent memory.
The Oval Invincibles have been on the backfoot in this rivalry as they have only won one game out of the four games they have played against the Northern Superchargers.
This rivalry has grown steadily, powered by a history of close finishes and high-stakes games. One of the most memorable contests came in 2022 when Suzie Bates played a stunning 79* against the Originals to guide Invincibles to a big win. Matches between these two teams are usually full of tension, with both sides boasting international-heavy squads.
The Oval Invincibles have played Manchester Originals off the park in this fixture as they have won all the four games in which these sides have met each other, the Invincibles in 2025 will like to carry forward the momentum.
As the most successful franchise in the women’s edition of The Hundred, the Oval Invincibles have not only excelled on the pitch but have also emerged as a marquee name off it. With their dynamic playing style and consistent performances especially back-to-back titles in the opening seasons the team has built a strong brand presence rooted in heritage and now powered by international investment. The 2025 season marks a significant turning point in the franchise’s journey, as changes in ownership structure and a growing sponsorship portfolio take the team into an exciting new era.
From the inaugural season of The Hundred in 2021 until 2024, the Oval Invincibles women’s team was fully owned and operated by Surrey County Cricket Club. With Surrey’s deep cricketing tradition, world-class facilities at The Kia Oval, and a strong local support base, the team was given the ideal launchpad. Surrey’s emphasis on youth development and its proactive management laid the foundation for the Invincibles’ early dominance, with championships in 2021 and 2022 and consistent playoff appearances.
However, 2025 brought a paradigm shift in the structure of The Hundred. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) introduced private investment into the tournament, allowing teams to partially sell stakes to external investors. The aim was to modernise the league, attract global capital, and strengthen the domestic game financially and structurally.
As part of this shift, Surrey sold a 49% stake in the Oval Invincibles to Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), one of India’s largest conglomerates, for a reported £60 million, valuing the franchise at £123 million. This made the Invincibles the first women’s team in The Hundred to finalise such a landmark deal.
Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, is no stranger to cricket. Their flagship team, the Mumbai Indians, is a five-time IPL champion. Through their sports division, RIL also owns franchises in the UAE (MI Emirates), South Africa (MI Cape Town), and the USA (MI New York). The acquisition of the Oval Invincibles brings their global cricketing footprint into English domestic cricket for the first time.
The partnership between Surrey’s cricketing heritage and Reliance’s commercial might represents a powerful synergy. While Surrey continues to oversee cricketing operations, Reliance brings unmatched global marketing and commercial experience. With Nita Ambani who chairs the Reliance Foundation and leads MI’s global sporting vision actively involved in the strategy, the Invincibles are now positioned to evolve into a global brand, much like their Mumbai counterpart.
This dual ownership also signals a broader trend of international investment flowing into English cricket, aligning with the ECB’s long-term vision of making The Hundred a commercially sustainable, globally recognised tournament.
The Oval Invincibles’ recent back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024 have significantly enhanced their marketability, making them one of the most sought-after commercial properties in English cricket. The team has partnered with brands across industries, reflecting its broad appeal to both legacy cricket fans and newer, younger audiences attracted by The Hundred’s fast-paced format.
KP Snacks – As one of the ECB’s central sponsors, KP Snacks has enjoyed visibility on the team jerseys and ground branding across seasons.
Vitality – The health and insurance company has been involved as a lead sponsor and wellness partner.
Castore – British sportswear brand Castore has been the official kit supplier since the team’s inception, offering performance-driven apparel designed for high-intensity cricket.
As the Reliance era begins in 2025, the Oval Invincibles are expected to further scale up their commercial operations and global reach both on and off the pitch.
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