As The Hundred 2025 gathers momentum, cricket fans in London have a mouth-watering clash to look forward to on 9 August 2025. Defending champions Oval Invincibles host Manchester Originals at the historic Kia Oval in Kennington for the fifth match of the men’s competition. Play gets underway at 14:30 BST, with Invincibles eager to continue their winning start and Originals desperate to snap a worrying run of defeats. With plenty of star power on both sides and a ground renowned for high-octane entertainment, this encounter promises to be a highlight of the early season.
Oval Invincibles’ recent form
The Invincibles are off to a flyer. They began their 2025 campaign by dismantling London Spirit by six wickets on 5 August, chasing down 81 with 31 balls to spare. That victory stretched their impressive record to four wins in their last five matches in The Hundred. They also won the 2024 final against Southern Brave by 17 runs, thrashed London Spirit by nine wickets and beat Brave by six wickets during the 2024 league stage; their only recent loss came against Trent Rockets last August. This consistency underlines why they are considered favourites once again.
The Invincibles’ squad brims with match-winners. Sam Curran has been outstanding with both bat and ball—he averages 35.83 with the bat at a strike rate of 164 and has taken 20 wickets in his last 10 matches. His brother Tom Curran provides additional all-round firepower, while opener Jordan Cox (219 runs at 36.5) offers stability at the top of the order. Will Jacks contributes explosive batting and useful off-spin, and there is overseas star Rashid Khan, whose leg-breaks can choke opposition scoring. Wicket-keeper Sam Billings marshals the side expertly. The depth of quality is such that bench options include Jason Behrendorff, Saqib Mahmood and spinner Nathan Sowter.
Manchester Originals’ recent form
Manchester Originals, runners-up in 2023, are enduring a rough patch. They lost their opening match of the season to Southern Brave on 6 August, falling short by one wicket in a nervy finish. That result means the Originals have managed just one win in their last five matches—a 12-run victory over London Spirit on 9 August 2024—while defeats to Phoenix, Northern Superchargers and the Invincibles themselves litter the remainder of their recent record. A change in momentum is urgently needed.
The squad remains talented. Jos Buttler provides explosive batting at the top, while Phil Salt has smashed 313 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 149. Overseas signings Rachin Ravindra and Heinrich Klaasen add flair and finishing ability. The Originals’ all-round options include Lewis Gregory and George Garton, with young wicketkeeper Matty Hurst offering promise. Bowling remains their main concern: pacers Josh Tongue, Scott Currie and veteran Jimmy Anderson will need early breakthroughs, while left-arm spinner Tom Hartley must contain the Invincibles’ big hitters.
Pitch & venue insights
The Kia Oval is one of England’s most historic grounds and is known for producing good batting wickets. According to TheTopBookies, the pitch here in T20 and Hundred competitions generally favours batters; fast bowlers enjoy some movement early on, but scoring becomes easier as the innings progresses. Interestingly, teams chasing have enjoyed most success: the average first-innings score in The Hundred at the Oval is around 152 runs, with teams batting second winning half the matches. Captains winning the toss often choose to bowl to make use of any assistance and then back their hitters to chase down totals. Expect stroke-play, quick outfield and plenty of sixes, though London’s changeable weather can introduce cloud cover and swing.
Prediction & Dream 11 fantasy team
This match pits the settled, confident Invincibles against an Originals side searching for rhythm. At home and buoyed by recent success, Oval Invincibles are clear favourites. Their top order is firing, their bowling has variety, and they seldom lose at the Oval. Manchester Originals possess enough firepower to upset any side but will need their bowlers to strike early and either Buttler or Salt to play a match-defining innings. Given the form book and venue advantage, expect the Invincibles to win by a comfortable margin.
For fantasy enthusiasts, here is a Dream 11 lineup balancing in-form stars and differential picks. Captain choices (C) and vice-captain (VC) have been selected based on recent performances and all-round impact:
| Role | Player | Team |
| — | — | — |
| **WK** | Jos Buttler | Manchester Originals |
| **WK** | Sam Billings | Oval Invincibles |
| **BAT** | Phil Salt (VC) | Manchester Originals |
| **BAT** | Will Jacks | Oval Invincibles |
| **BAT** | Jordan Cox | Oval Invincibles |
| **AR** | Sam Curran (C) | Oval Invincibles |
| **AR** | Tom Curran | Oval Invincibles |
| **AR** | Lewis Gregory | Manchester Originals |
| **BOWL** | Rashid Khan | Oval Invincibles |
| **BOWL** | Jason Behrendorff | Oval Invincibles |
| **BOWL** | Tom Hartley | Manchester Originals |
**Captain (C)** – Sam Curran: Offers points with both bat and ball and has stellar recent stats.
**Vice-captain (VC)** – Phil Salt: Consistent run-scorer who can explode at the top.
If you enjoy The Hundred’s fast-paced format and want more cricket insights and betting tips, be sure to bookmark our site and join the conversation below. Who do you think will come out on top—can the Originals upset the champions, or will the Invincibles continue their march? Share your predictions in the comments and don’t forget to set up your Dream 11 team before the toss. Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis!
