Originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Women’s Hundred finally began in 2021. Since then, its knockout phases have produced contrasting stories of dominance, redemption, weather intervention and breakthrough triumphs, with Lord’s repeatedly serving as the stage for history. As the sixth edition unfolds from 21 July to 16 August 2026, the tournament’s journey from its inaugural final to its latest chapter reflects the rapid evolution of women’s cricket.
2021: MI London (Formerly Oval Invincibles)
In 2021, Southern Brave, led by Anya Shrubsole, finished top of the league with 14 points from eight matches, winning seven and losing only to Manchester Originals, now rebranded as Manchester Super Giants, by 17 runs. Their reward was a direct place in the final. The Oval Invincibles, now MI London, defeated Birmingham Phoenix by 20 runs in the Eliminator after finishing second with nine points, while Phoenix ended third with eight.
At Lord’s on 21 August, the Oval Invincibles defeated Southern Brave by 48 runs to become the inaugural champions. Marizanne Kapp was awarded Player of the Match for her all-round impact, while Dane Van Niekerk’s outstanding contribution of 259 runs and eight wickets was also recognised in the tournament honours. Van Niekerk led the batting charts, while Tash Farrant topped the bowling standings with 18 wickets at an average of 10.27 and an economy rate of 6.20.
2022: MI London (Formerly Oval Invincibles)
The 2022 knockout phase confirmed the Oval Invincibles’ early dominance. Under Suzie Bates, they finished first with 10 points from six matches, earning a direct entry into the final, despite losing to Southern Brave by 12 runs. Southern Brave also collected 10 points but finished second in the standings, having lost to Northern Superchargers by 20 runs. They earned their final berth by defeating Trent Rockets by two runs in the Eliminator, while the Rockets finished third with six points.
In the final at Lord’s on 3 September, the Oval Invincibles defeated Southern Brave by five wickets to defend their title. Kapp again received the Player of the Match award, while Nat Sciver-Brunt was named Player of the Tournament after scoring 228 runs and taking six wickets. Laura Wolvaardt led the run charts with 286 runs, and Southern Brave leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington claimed 17 wickets.
2023: Southern Brave
Southern Brave’s long-awaited breakthrough arrived in 2023. The Anya Shrubsole-led side topped the table with 14 points from eight matches, winning seven and losing to Welsh Fire by four runs. Northern Superchargers finished second with 12 points, while Welsh Fire occupied third place with 11. However, rain washed out the Eliminator between Superchargers and Welsh Fire, allowing the higher-ranked Superchargers to progress.
Southern Brave then defeated Northern Superchargers by 34 runs at Lord’s on 27 August to claim their maiden title. Danielle Wyatt-Hodge’s 59 from 38 balls earned her Player of the Match honours. She also finished as the leading run-scorer with 295 runs, while Georgia Adams topped the wicket-taking charts with 16 wickets. Marizanne Kapp, with 147 runs and 11 wickets, was named Player of the Tournament.
2024: London Spirit
The 2024 edition produced one of the competition’s most unexpected finalists. Welsh Fire topped the league with 11 points and secured a direct final berth, while Oval Invincibles finished second on the same tally. London Spirit, despite ending third with nine points, defeated the Invincibles by eight wickets in the Eliminator.
Heather Knight’s side then completed a four-wicket victory over Welsh Fire at Lord’s on 18 August to lift their maiden title. Georgia Redmayne’s unbeaten 34 from 32 balls earned Player of the Match recognition. Nat Sciver-Brunt led the run-scoring charts with 303 runs, while Northern Superchargers’ Linsey Smith claimed 15 wickets at an extraordinary average of 5.66. Annabel Sutherland, representing the Superchargers, was named Player of the Tournament for her 212 runs and 10 wickets.
2025: Sunrisers Leeds (Formerly Northern Superchargers)
In 2025, Northern Superchargers, now rebranded as Sunrisers Leeds, finally reached the summit under Hollie Armitage. They finished second with 24 points from eight matches, behind an unbeaten Southern Brave side that achieved eight consecutive victories and amassed 32 points.
Superchargers defeated London Spirit by 42 runs in the Eliminator before overcoming Southern Brave by seven wickets in the final on 31 August at Lord’s. Nicola Carey’s unbeaten 35 from 25 balls earned Player of the Match honours, while Phoebe Litchfield was named Player of the Tournament after scoring 292 runs. Litchfield also topped the batting charts at a strike rate of 157.83, while Southern Brave’s Lauren Bell led the bowling with 19 wickets at an average of 8.47 and an economy rate of 5.39.
The sixth edition, running from 21 July to 16 August 2026, now carries the weight of this remarkable knockout legacy. From the Oval Invincibles’ early reign to Southern Brave’s redemption, London Spirit’s surprise breakthrough and Sunrisers Leeds’ maiden triumph, The Women’s Hundred has consistently shown that league-stage dominance is only the beginning. In this tournament, the decisive story is often written under the pressure of the Eliminator and the grandeur of Lord’s.
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