By Zainab Shafiq 
The Hundred Men’s 2023 final, held under the sparkling lights at Lord’s on August 27th, was a cricketing spectacle that will be etched in the memories of fans for years to come. The battle between the Oval Invincibles and the Manchester Originals was a demonstration of the electrifying nature of this innovative cricket format.
In a high-octane encounter, the Oval Invincibles batted first and posted a formidable total of 161/5. Their innings was powered by a remarkable partnership between James Neesham, who contributed a stellar 57, and Tom Curran, who played a blazing innings of 67 not out off just 34 balls. Curran’s performance with both bat and ball earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
The Manchester Originals, facing a challenging target, had their moments but ultimately fell short, finishing at 147/6. Max Holden was their top scorer with 37 runs, but the Invincibles’ bowlers, backed by a cohesive team effort, managed to defend their total. Will Jacks, in particular, shone with the ball, securing two crucial wickets. In the end, the Invincibles emerged victorious by a margin of 14 runs, clinching The Hundred Men’s 2023 title.
While the final provided an enthralling conclusion to the tournament, it was the performances throughout the season that defined the top performers.
Top 5 highest run-scorers of The Hundred 2023
Here are the top 5 highest run-scorers of The Hundred Men’s 2023:
1. Jos Buttler (Manchester Originals): Jos Buttler, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, proved his mettle as a T20 giant. He amassed a whopping 391 runs from 10 innings, with an impressive average of 43.44 and a striking strike rate of 145.35. Buttler’s consistency and explosive strokeplay made him a standout performer.
2. Finn Allen (Southern Brave): Finn Allen, representing the Southern Brave, was a revelation in the tournament. He showcased his aggressive batting style, accumulating 240 runs in 9 innings. With a strike rate of 144.57, he often provided his team with blazing starts and was a key factor in their success.
3. Harry Brook (Northern Superchargers): Harry Brook was another exciting prospect in The Hundred Men’s 2023. He displayed his explosive batting skills, scoring 238 runs in just 8 innings at a remarkable average of 47.60. Brook’s ability to clear the ropes and anchor the innings was crucial for the Superchargers.
4. Phil Salt (Manchester Originals): Phil Salt was a vital cog in the Manchester Originals’ batting lineup. He contributed 232 runs in 10 innings, displaying consistency at the top of the order. Salt’s aggressive approach and a strike rate of 194.95 made him a key asset for his team.
5. Will Jacks (Oval Invincibles): Will Jacks, not only a handy bowler but also a powerful batsman, made his presence felt in The Hundred Men’s 2023. He accumulated 227 runs in 9 innings with a strike rate of 154.42. Jacks’ ability to accelerate the scoring in the middle overs made him an invaluable asset for the Invincibles.
Tim Douglas