The Hundred 2025 kicks off with an all-London showdown at Lord’s, and it’s the kind of fixture that does more than just get things started. It sets the tempo. London Spirit will take on Oval Invincibles on August 5, with the match beginning at 11:00 PM IST (6:30 PM local). A familiar venue. Two proud franchises. And odds that say one team’s already ahead before the toss is even flipped.
Venue Breakdown: What To Expect at Lord’s
Lord’s isn’t just historic—it’s also tactical. The pitch usually gives batters a decent platform in the first innings, especially if the sun’s out. But it can turn tricky later on. There’s grip for the spinners, some variable bounce, and enough movement for seamers under lights.
What this means is: the first six overs are gold for openers, and the next eight are for the bowlers to squeeze. Expect a first-innings total in the 145–160 zone, but if someone like Jacks or Crawley gets going early, we could see 175+.
Latest Odds — Who’s Favored?
Looking at the odds board, it’s clear where the bookmakers are leaning.
Match Winner (incl. Super Over):
- Oval Invincibles: 1.58
- London Spirit: 2.30
Toss Winner:
- Oval Invincibles: 1.87
- London Spirit: 1.87
Toss + Match Winner Combo:
- Oval Invincibles: 2.92
- London Spirit: 4.30
- Neither (Split wins): 1.94
What does this tell us? Bookies have Oval Invincibles as clear favorites, and the odds reflect both recent form and squad consistency. But there’s solid value on London Spirit if you’re looking for a higher-risk, higher-reward punt—especially at 2.30 outright and a juicy 4.30 for winning both toss and match.
Team Outlook: Who Might Play
We’re still waiting for the confirmed playing XIs, but based on previous seasons, here’s a likely structure.
London Spirit (probables):
- Zak Crawley
- Adam Rossington
- Daniel Bell-Drummond
- Jordan Thompson
- Mason Crane
- Ravi Bopara (if retained)
Oval Invincibles (probables):
- Will Jacks
- Sam Curran
- Tom Curran
- Jason Roy
- Sunil Narine
- Gus Atkinson
Oval Invincibles are stacked with all-rounders, which explains their shorter odds. Curran, Jacks, Narine—these guys contribute across departments. London Spirit, while more traditional in lineup, have match-winners too. It’s not one-sided.
Players to Watch
Will Jacks – OVL
If he gets through the Powerplay, it’s game over. His 161+ strike rate in The Hundred says it all.
Sam Curran – OVL
Middle-order muscle with the bat, and gives you full quota with the ball. His value in fantasy and betting markets is always high.
Zak Crawley – LDN
Elegant stroke play, and when he stays past 20 balls, he usually turns it into a 50+ score.
Jordan Thompson – LDN
Wicket-taker. Bowls tough overs and gets breakthroughs. Expect him to be in play around overs 7–14.
Fantasy Picks and Betting Strategy
Let’s talk real value—not just who’s popular, but who delivers. This match presents opportunity across fantasy and live betting platforms.
Fantasy Captaincy Tips:
- Safe Option: Will Jacks
- High-Risk High-Reward: Jordan Thompson
- Smart Vice-Captain: Sam Curran or Sunil Narine
Betting Strategy:
- Back Oval Invincibles to win outright at 1.58 if you want a safer bet.
- Go for London Spirit to win both toss + match at 4.30 for serious upside.
- In live bets, watch the Powerplay. If London Spirit lose only 1 wicket in the first 6, their odds will swing sharply in-play.
Pitch and Weather Report
The pitch at Lord’s will be fresh, slightly green underneath, and likely a bit two-paced. That means batters need time to adjust early, but it opens up once you get your eye in.
Weather Forecast:
- Temperature: 21–23°C
- Rain: Less than 10% chance
- Conditions: Partly cloudy, minimal wind
Ideal conditions for swing early on and slower ones to grip later. Spinners like Narine or Crane could be game-changers here.
Prediction: Who Takes the Opener?
Here’s the thing—season openers are messy. Form is unknown. Matchups are theoretical. But judging by recent trends and squad strength, Oval Invincibles have the upper hand. Their lineup just has more flexibility, more proven match-winners, and a bowling unit that suits Lord’s better.
Still, you can’t count out London Spirit, especially if their openers fire or Thompson snags early wickets. But for now, intelligent prediction:
Oval Invincibles to win — by 5 to 15 runs or with 5+ balls to spare if chasing.
Final Word
This isn’t just another game—it’s the opener of a high-octane tournament. The Hundred isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about taking calculated risks, whether you’re a fan, a fantasy player, or someone putting real money on the line.
If you want a confident, edge-aware betting strategy that doesn’t just follow odds but understands why they move—stick with data, form, and sharp matchups.
And for everything from daily match previews to live fantasy cricket picks and expert-level betting tips.
👉 Visit CricketBettingTips.org — the smart bettor’s home base for analysis, odds movement, predictions, and everything you need to make informed choices during The Hundred 2025.