Oval Invincibles - A dynasty on the verge of a historic three-peat

The Oval Invincibles are on the cusp of an incredible three-peat, having established themselves as a dominant force in The Hundred. In a format where chaos and unpredictability are the norms, they are rewriting the narrative. With a win percentage approaching 70% - a figure that places them among the best T20 franchises in the world - they have consistently outperformed their rivals. They are well-positioned to achieve this remarkable feat at Lord's on Sunday, a venue where they are not only unbeaten but are also on a six-match winning streak.

Their recent run of form has been particularly spectacular, with a staggering 77% win rate since the start of 2023. They have lost just five of their 26 matches in that period, far and away the best record in the league. Their success is no accident. The Invincibles have stayed ahead of the curve through smart team building and astute in-game strategy, which has put them on the precipice of a historic three-peat.

A strong English foundation

The Invincibles' success is built on a stable and reliable domestic core. In a league with only three overseas spots, a deep pool of local talent is a significant advantage, and no other team has maintained a core group like the Invincibles. Six of their players - Sam Billings, Will Jacks, Jordan Cox, Nathan Sowter, and the brothers Tom and Sam Curran - have been with the team since the inception of the league in 2021. This group provides invaluable local knowledge, as many are regulars for Surrey, the host county, and their neighbouring county, Kent.

When Saqib Mahmood was injured, another local player Gus Atkinson seamlessly stepped in during the 2023 season. He finished as the team's second-highest wicket-taker and used the opportunity as a springboard to cement his place in the England national team. The only area where the team has sought new talent is in finding a consistent opening partner for Will Jacks, a role now filled by Tawanda Muyeye, who has often provided the quick starts, especially in home fixtures.

Strategic overseas recruitment

The Invincibles have masterfully used their overseas slots to fill specific gaps in their squad. Instead of just bringing in big names, they've targeted players who provide a premium skill set that is scarce in English domestic cricket.

Middle-Order hitters: After mixed results with the likes of Colin Ingram and Hilton Cartwright in the first two seasons, they struck gold with Heinrich Klaasen in 2023 and Donovan Ferreira since 2024. Ferreira has been particularly impactful, with a blistering strike rate of 210 over two seasons, making him one of the most destructive hitters in the competition's history. Ferreira has a first five ball strike rate of 196.55 - the best by a distance in the history of the tournament - making him an invaluable asset in the middle order.

Attacking Spin: Recognizing the lack of high-quality attacking spinners in England beyond Adil Rashid, they've consistently recruited from abroad. After Sunil Narine's economical but less penetrative seasons in 2021-22, the team brought in Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in 2024.

Left-Arm Seamers: To strike upfront in conditions that offer plenty of lateral movement, the Invincibles have focused on specialist left-arm quicks like Spencer Johnson and Jason Behrendorff. This strategic focus on new-ball specialists has provided a crucial point of difference in their bowling attack.

Forging balance with quality all-rounders

The Invincibles' exceptional team balance is a product of their multi-skilled players who provide depth in both the batting and bowling departments. With Will Jacks and the Curran brothers offering three reliable bowling options in the top seven, the team can afford to field four specialist bowlers.

In a shorter format with 20 fewer balls than a usual T20 innings, the Invincibles have prioritized bowling quality over batting depth. Players like Tom Curran often bat as low as number seven, knowing their all-rounders have the ability to hit big from the outset. The Currans, in particular, have been a force multiplier. Tom's all-round performance was a cornerstone in Invincibles' title winning run in the 2023 edition, and Sam followed suit in 2024 and 2025. In fact, five of the seven instances in The Hundred's history where a player has scored at least 150 runs and taken eight or more wickets in a season have come from players from Invincibles' stable.

Best all-round season in Hundred (150+ runs & 8+ wickets)

Invincible at 'The Oval'

While a strong domestic core is essential, turning your home ground into a fortress is a necessity, and the Invincibles have done just that. At the Kennington Oval, they have a commanding record of 16 wins and only 3 losses in 20 home games (plus one tie). This staggering 80% home win rate is unrivaled in The Hundred and sits right among the top in franchise cricket. Their home dominance has only intensified since the start of 2023, with an almost flawless 10-1 record at The Oval, including a perfect 4-0 sweep this season.

Record at home venue in Hundred

Billings at the helm of affairs

Sam Billings is one of only two players to have captained a franchise in The Hundred since its inception (James Vince being the other). While his individual returns may not always be ideal, his leadership has proved priceless. Billings brings a wealth of championship experience by being part of winning squads in the IPL, PSL, BBL and ILT20. His commitment to the team-first mentality was on display in the London derby at Lord's