London Spirit's acid test against defending champions Oval Invincibles

Betting Odds

Our Predictions

• David Warner has odds of 3.25 to be London Spirit's best batsman
• Will Jacks has odds of 3.00 to be Oval Invincibles’ best batsman 
• Richard Gleeson has odds of 4.20 to be London Spirit's best bowler
• Rashid Khan has odds of 4.30 to be Oval Invincibles’ best bowler

MATCH PREVIEW    

It is the start of The Hundred Men's Competition 2025, and the London Spirit will be up against the defending champions, Oval Invincibles. London Spirit had a poor tournament last year, finishing at the bottom of the points table. They will start this game with lower odds, though the team has made several changes. The Oval Invincibles will look to start from where they left off last season. The side has a strong batting lineup and depth in its bowling attack. It will be a tough challenge for London Spirit in the opening game, and it will be interesting to see if the side can cause a major upset in the opening game of the season. 

London Spirit Preview     

The London Spirit finished at the bottom of the points table last season with only one win in eight games. The side has made wholesale changes to the squad for this edition, and Kane Williamson comes in as the skipper. They are up against a strong team and start the game behind on cricket betting sites. Williamson would like to get the best out of his players in this game against the defending champions. 

The side will like a good start from David Warner and Keaton Jennings, as both these players can take on any bowling attack. Kane Williamson will look to anchor the innings and add runs in the middle order with Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith. Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, and Aston Turner are good finishers, and the team expects them to deliver quick runs towards the end of the innings.  

The side has an inexperienced bowling attack, and they will expect Richard Gleeson and Luke Wood to strike early and put the team in a strong position. Luke Wood and Jafer Chohan must bowl tight spells in the middle to keep a check on the scoring rate. Liam Dawson and Ashton Turner must do well in the supporting role for the team to win. 

Expected Starting XI for London Spirit    

Kane Williamson (c), Jamie Smith (wk), David Warner, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Ashton Turner, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Richard Gleeson, Luke Wood, Jafer Chohan

Oval Invincibles Preview     

Sam Billings' team was brilliant last season. They topped the points table in the league stage and defeated Southern Brave comprehensively in the final. The side has depth in both batting and bowling, putting them in a strong position. They have won the last five games against London Spirit and start ahead on cricket betting apps. Billings will look to lead from the front and set the ball rolling with a good show. 

Will Jacks and Miles Hammond are a strong opening combination, and the team expects a good show from the pair at the top. Jordan Cox was the leading run scorer for the team last year, and he will look to add runs in the middle order with Billings and Donovan Ferreira. They have firepower in the lower middle order, and expect runs from Sam Curran, Tom Curran, and Gus Atkinson. 

The side has a strong bowling attack, and they will need tight spells with the new ball from Gus Atkinson and Saqib Mahmood. Rashid Khan’s entry in the attack is a big boost for the team, and he will look to do well with Sam Curran. Nathan Sowter, Tom Curran, and Will Jacks are utility bowlers and add depth to this attack. 

Expected Starting XI for Oval Invincibles    

Sam Billings (c & wk), Will Jacks, Miles Hammond, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Donovan Ferreira, Tom Curran, Gus Atkinson, Nathan Sowter, Rashid Khan, Saqib Mahmood

TOSS: To Bowl First     

We have seen a string of low scores at this venue in the last few seasons, and batsmen have struggled in the early part of the game. The wickets have been conducive to chasing scores, and we expect this trend to continue. The side winning the toss will look to bowl first. 

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS     

We expect overcast skies over London during the game, which will be an advantage for the fast bowlers who can move the ball. Batsmen have to play to the merit of the ball, and the first side to bat will aim to get 150 runs on the board. 

OUR PREDICTION     

London Spirit will face their toughest test in the opening game. They have defeated the Oval Invincibles only once in the last four seasons. The side has a weak bowling attack and needs a strong show from the bowlers to win this game. The Oval Invincibles have a formidable combination in their batting and bowling lineups. Based on team strengths and past performances, the Oval Invincibles start as favorites.  

Our prediction is for Oval Invincibles to win