The Hundred League Rules Explained (2025 Guide)

The Hundred League Rules Explained :-
🏏 The Hundred 2025 Rules Made Simple: Everything You Need to Know
Cricket is constantly transforming, and The Hundred proves the game can be faster, fiercer, and more fun than ever before.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes The Hundred different or how it’s played — you’re in the right place.
This guide will explain everything about The Hundred League rules, match format, teams, and how you can stay updated with real-time match excitement on 11xgame — a trusted platform for cricket lovers.
🎯 What is The Hundred?
The Hundred is a dynamic 100-ball cricket format launched by the ECB to bring a fresh and modern feel to the game.
It features both men’s and women’s teams representing eight cities in England and Wales.
Unlike traditional cricket formats, each team in The Hundred gets just 100 balls to play. The goal? Quick-fire games, thrilling moments, and a fresh wave of cricket fans.
🧠 Why Was The Hundred Created?
The ECB wanted to simplify cricket for new fans, reduce match time, and create a festival-like atmosphere. The Hundred is quick, energetic, and crowd-friendly, with games lasting just around 2.5 hours — shorter than T20 matches!
⚙️ The Hundred League Rules – Explained Step by Step
Let’s break down the basic rules of The Hundred in a way anyone can understand.
🏏 Every team plays a single innings of 100 balls—no extras, just pure action.
Unlike T20 or ODI cricket, The Hundred gives each team only 100 balls to score as many runs as possible.
💡 While a standard T20 match gives each team 120 balls, The Hundred trims it to just 100—so every delivery really matters.
The Hundred cuts that down to 100 — making every ball count.

2. 🧢 Bowlers deliver in sets of 5 or 10 balls
In The Hundred:
- 🎯 A bowler can deliver 5 consecutive balls in one go.
- The same bowler can choose to continue for another five balls, making it a 10-ball set.
- No bowler can bowl more than 20 balls in an innings.
✅ Example: Bowler A can bowl 5 balls, then Bowl B takes over. Or Bowler A can complete 10 balls straight if the captain allows.
3. 🔄 Ends are changed every 10 balls
Unlike traditional overs (after 6 balls), in The Hundred, the fielding side changes ends every 10 balls, not after every over.
This gives the game a faster rhythm and keeps both batsmen and fielders on their toes.
4. 🚀 25-ball Powerplay for each team
- The first 25 balls of every innings are a Powerplay, where only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle.
- It gives batters a chance to go big early on — and fans love it.
🎉 Explosive starts are a key part of The Hundred’s fun, and Powerplays help deliver just that.
5. 🧮 No overs – just balls
You won’t hear “six overs done” in The Hundred. Instead, you’ll hear “60 balls left” or “30 balls to go”. Everything is measured in balls, not overs.
It simplifies the game for new viewers and keeps the excitement consistent.
6. ⏳ Strategic Timeout
- Each bowling side can take one 2.5-minute timeout during their innings.
- The coach can enter the field and speak with players — like in basketball or kabaddi.
📣 This is great for strategies, especially during turning points of the match.
7. 🚫 Penalty for slow over-rate
To keep the game fast:
- If a team fails to bowl their 100 balls in time, they lose a fielder in the last over (10 balls).
- This creates pressure and ensures faster play.

🧢 Team Structure in The Hundred
There are 8 teams in both men’s and women’s leagues:
- Manchester Originals
- Oval Invincibles
- London Spirit
- Trent Rockets
- Birmingham Phoenix
- Northern Superchargers
- Southern Brave
- Welsh Fire
Each team has:
- World-class international players
- Domestic stars from England and Wales
- Young emerging talents
🌟 How The Hundred Stands Out: What Makes It Unique?
- Shorter, more exciting matches
- Double-headers (men’s and women’s matches on the same day)
- Equal spotlight for men’s and women’s cricket
- Fun zones, music, and food at stadiums
- Easily accessible rules for all age groups
It’s a cricket festival that invites both hardcore fans and new audiences.
🔍 Match Format: Group Stage to Final
The league structure of The Hundred is also simple:
- 📅 Each team plays 8 matches in the group stage—4 at home and 4 away.
- The top 3 teams qualify:
- 1st place goes straight to the Final
- 2nd vs 3rd play the Eliminator
- Winner of Eliminator faces 1st place in the Final
It’s fast, fair, and fun!
🎉 Why Fans Love The Hundred
- No long wait — results in 2.5 hours
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Live music & entertainment
- Equal treatment of men’s and women’s teams
- Fresh and modern take on cricket
📲 Real-Time Action on 11xgame: Stay Ahead of the Game!
Want to track live scores, stats, and player performances during The Hundred?
Then 11xgame is your go-to platform.
✅ Here’s what you can do on 11xgame:
- Track live updates of every match
- Check real-time player stats
- Follow your favorite teams and players
- Get fast notifications on toss, milestones, and results
- Participate in prediction games and fan polls
- Whether you’re new to cricket or deep into fantasy leagues, 11xgame brings every ball to your fingertips.
- From casual viewers to fantasy fanatics, 11xgame keeps everyone in sync with live action.
- 💡 Handy Tips to Understand The Hundred Like a Pro
- Think in balls, not overs
- Watch the powerplay closely – that’s where momentum builds
- Follow 11xgame for data and analysis
- Understand bowler restrictions – no one dominates the entire game
- Celebrate the women’s matches – they’re just as exciting as the men’s!

💬 What Fans Are Saying
“The Hundred makes cricket exciting even for my 8-year-old daughter. She understands it better than T20. And we both follow scores live on 11xgame!” – Rakesh, Mumbai
“I used to skip watching ODIs due to time. But The Hundred gives me full excitement in just 2.5 hours. Thanks to 11xgame, I never miss a moment.” – Pooja, Delhi
🔚 Final Thoughts: The Hundred is Here to Stay
The Hundred League rules are not just easy to understand — they’re designed to bring more people into cricket, and reignite the spark for old fans too.
With the help of platforms like 11xgame, you can stay connected to the fast-paced world of The Hundred. Whether it’s your first cricket match or your 500th, The Hundred offers something new, fun, and absolutely thrilling.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick your team, follow the ball-by-ball excitement on 11xgame, and join the future of cricket.
✅ Quick Look: Key Rules of The Hundred
Rule Element | Description |
Balls per innings | 100 balls |
Bowler limit | Max 20 balls per bowler |
Powerplay | First 25 balls |
Timeout | 1 timeout per team (2.5 mins) |
Field change | Every 10 balls |
No overs | Balls counted directly |
Penalty for delay | 1 fielder reduced in final 10 balls |
Match duration | Approx. 2.5 hours |