Disclaimer: CricOpinion provides Predictions based on analysis, understanding, and intuition. Refer to records and stats before making decisions. You are not bound to follow these predictions. CricOpinion is not responsible for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from the use of this information.
Table Of Contents
London Spirit had a very disappointing 2024 season, where the team won just 1 match and finished bottom of the tournament table. The team suffered 5 consecutive defeats in the last 5 matches, in which both batting and bowling departments were lacking. In the last match too, they scored just 111 runs against Northern Superchargers, losing by 21 runs via DLS method. The middle order continued to struggle, and wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Bopara, Jennings and Dawson showed some resistance, but the overall performance was underwhelming. The team has made some big changes in 2025, and is starting a new season under new head coach Justin Langer. Led by Kane Williamson, the batting line-up looks strong with experienced players like Warner, Jennings, Pope. Bowling has a plethora of pace options – with bowlers like Olly Stone, Wood, Gleeson. But with the inconsistent performances of the last season, the pressure will be on for the team to settle their combination quickly. If an experienced duo like Warner-Williamson clicks, London Spirit can make a comeback, but the performance will have to be delivered from the very first match.
Oval Invincibles proved their champion pedigree once again in 2024 and became the most successful team of the tournament by winning back-to-back second titles. Last season they won 6 out of 8 matches and won the trophy by defeating Southern Brave by 17 runs in the final. In the final, Ferreira played a tremendous innings of 54 runs and bowlers like Sam Curran, Saqib Mahmood turned the match around in moments of pressure. Will Jacks also played explosive batting throughout the season, and Sam Curran showed all-round brilliance, taking 201 runs and 17 wickets. Team depth and big-match temperament are their biggest strengths.
In 2025 too, Oval Invincibles will take to the field largely with their champion core. Their squad has become even more balanced with the presence of Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Will Jacks, and overseas stars like Rashid Khan, Ferreira, and Behrendorff. Bowlers like Saqib Mahmood and Gus Atkinson give them an edge in the powerplay and death overs. The team's momentum is strong, and 4 victories in the last 5 matches show that they are still in top form. Eyeing the teen titles, Oval is the favourite contender for this season as well, and their confidence will be clearly visible in the opening match of the season.
The pitch at Lord's Cricket Ground favours fast bowlers initially in The Hundred matches. The unique slope here and if the sky is cloudy the ball moves well in the air and off the pitch. This can make batting a little difficult initially in matches, especially when bowling from the Pavilion End. Batsmen find it difficult to judge the line and bounce of the ball as it moves along the slope.
As the match progresses the pitch flattens and batting becomes easier. Spinners do not get much help here but if the pitch is dry then there can be some turn in the middle overs. After winning the toss, if there are clouds then bowling first is beneficial, but if the day is sunny then batting first is also a good option. Overall, Lord's is a balanced pitch where it is important to play smart cricket.
Oval has always kept its game up against London. The two clashed 7 times but London won only one match. In the remaining 6 matches, Oval either chased fast or suppressed London's batting. Oval has always had a strong squad - match-winners like Curran brothers, Rashid Khan, Will Jacks have made them consistent. London Spirit has not had that strong core, due to which their performance has been uneven.
In 2024 too, the two teams clashed 2 times and Oval won both the matches convincingly. In the most recent clash, London was all out for just 96 runs, and Oval chased the target in just 63 balls with 9 wickets in hand. Jordan Cox played an explosive innings of 61*, and Zampa's 4 wickets turned the match in Oval's favour. This difference has existed between the two teams for quite some time. This 2025 season could be a new start for London Spirit, but they will have to give their best against Oval if they have to change this one-sided record.
David Warner, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Kane Williamson (c), Wayne Madsen, Jamie Smith (wk), Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Olly Stone, Richard Gleeson, Daniel Worrall
Injury Update: None
Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jordan Cox, Sam Billings (c/wk), Donovan Ferreira, Tom Curran, Rashid Khan, Gus Atkinson, Nathan Sowter, Jason Behrendorff, Saqib Mahmood
Injury Updates: None
Disclaimer: CricOpinion provides predictions based on analysis, understanding, and intuition. Refer to records and stats before making decisions. You are not bound to follow these predictions. CricOpinion is not responsible for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from the use of this information.
More Links