The Hundred – the brand new 100-ball cricket competition fusing epic entertainment with high energy sporting action – has announced the dates for the hotly-anticipated summer event. Eight city-based teams – Birmingham Phoenix, London Spirit, Manchester Originals, Northern Superchargers (Leeds), Oval Invincibles (London), Southern Brave (Southampton), Trent Rockets (Nottingham) and Welsh Fire (Cardiff) – will play a total of 68 games across 33 days.

Committed to raising the profile of women’s cricket, the first fixture of the competition is a standalone women’s match between Manchester Originals and Oval Invincibles on July 21st. This is the first time in the UK that a women’s fixture has kicked off a major team sporting competition. The men’s and women’s teams will then play back to back against the same opponents on the same day at the same venue, with added entertainment throughout – making it a fantastic day out for families and friends.

On the opening weekend (July 24-25), Trent Rockets host Southern Brave, Northern Superchargers welcome Welsh Fire and London Spirit take on Oval Invincibles in the first derby of The Hundred.

Manchester Originals face Northern Superchargers at Emirates Old Trafford on July 28, with the reverse fixture at Emerald Headingley on August 12. The group fixtures end on August 18 with London Spirit travelling to Cardiff to take on Welsh Fire.

The Hundred Final for both the women’s and men’s competitions will take place at Lord’s (London) on 21 August.

England World Cup winners Ben Stokes (Northern Superchargers) and Heather Knight (London Spirit) will be taking part in the competition: “I can’t wait to take part in The Hundred this summer – we’ve got the best players from around the world playing a super-fast, high-energy form of the game with added entertainment to boot – what’s not to like?!”, said team captain Heather.

“It’s going to be cricket like you’ve never seen it before – designed to make the game accessible for families and young people. 100 balls for each side, whoever scores the most runs wins. It will be amazing if we can welcome crowds back this summer!” added Ben.

The priority window for tickets is open for 11 days from 7 April before tickets go on general sale from 21 April. To access the priority window, register at thehundred.com.

The games will be broadcast on Sky and BBC throughout the competition as The Hundred throws cricket’s doors open to everyone this summer.

Tickets are great value for money, £5 for under 16s with adult tickets starting at £10, under-fives go free. Aside from the first two games on July 21 and 22, tickets give you the chance to see a women’s and men’s game, offering an incredible experience to enjoy with your family this summer. . Refund policies will be in place should matches be affected by Covid.