The Hundred 2026: Men's outright betting guide, title contenders and best value bets

The Hundred returns on Tuesday, July 21, with a new-look men's competition entering a fresh era following sweeping changes to team ownership.

Several franchises now have links to some of the biggest names in global T20 cricket, creating an intriguing outright betting market before a ball has even been bowled.

From the newly branded MI London to squads packed with international stars, there is no shortage of contenders capable of lifting the trophy.

Here's our outright betting guide ahead of the 2026 season.

MI London (4.25) – Deserved favourites, but is there enough value?

Formerly known as Oval Invincibles, MI London begin life under Mumbai Indians ownership with arguably the strongest squad in the competition.

Will Jacks, Nicholas Pooran, Sam Curran, Rashid Khan, Trent Boult and James Vince give them proven quality with both bat and ball.

On paper, no team boasts greater depth.

The question is whether so many high-profile players can settle quickly enough to justify favouritism at relatively short odds.

They deserve to top the market, but bettors may find better value elsewhere.

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London Spirit (6.50) – One of the standout value selections

London Spirit have quietly assembled one of the most complete squads in the tournament.

Under the guidance of Andy Flower, one of franchise cricket's most respected coaches, Spirit possess match-winners throughout the line-up.

Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, Adam Zampa and Jamie Overton provide proven experience, while the squad has fewer obvious weaknesses than many of their rivals.

At 6.50, London Spirit look one of the best outright value bets before the tournament begins.

Sunrisers Leeds (7.50) – Batting capable of winning matches on its own

Few teams can match the firepower available to Sunrisers Leeds.

Harry Brook, Mitchell Marsh, Ryan Rickelton, Zak Crawley and Dan Lawrence form one of the competition's most explosive batting units, particularly on Headingley's traditionally batting-friendly surface.

Their bowling attack, led by Abrar Ahmed, Nathan Ellis and Brydon Carse, offers enough variety to remain competitive.

If the batting performs consistently, Sunrisers Leeds have every chance of reaching the knockout stages.

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Trent Rockets (7.50) – The complete package

If balance wins tournaments, Trent Rockets deserve serious consideration.

Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Finn Allen and Tim David provide attacking options throughout the batting order, while Sam Billings adds valuable leadership and flexibility.

Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, David Payne and Craig Overton headline a bowling attack capable of defending totals or restricting opponents.

They possess very few weaknesses and look one of the strongest alternatives to MI London.

Manchester Super Giants (7.50) – The dark horses

Manchester Super Giants may not attract the same attention as some of their rivals, but they possess genuine championship credentials.

Jos Buttler, Heinrich Klaasen and Aidan Markram provide elite batting quality, while Noor Ahmad and Josh Tongue strengthen the bowling attack.

The squad has match-winners in every department and appears slightly underestimated by the outright market.

At 7.50, Manchester represent another attractive value selection.

Southern Brave (8.00) – Plenty of quality, but questions remain

Southern Brave have assembled an experienced squad featuring Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan, Marcus Stoinis, Tristan Stubbs and David Miller.

Their bowling attack should remain among the strongest in the competition.

The concern lies with the top order, which lacks the consistency of several rival contenders.

While Brave should remain competitive, odds of 8.00 feel slightly restrictive given the questions surrounding their batting.

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Welsh Fire (8.50) – Strong batting, uncertain bowling

Welsh Fire's batting line-up looks capable of competing with anyone.

Phil Salt, Joe Root, Jordan Cox, Rachin Ravindra and Matthew Short provide plenty of experience and attacking intent.

However, while Marco Jansen, Chris Woakes and Lockie Ferguson headline the bowling unit, there appears to be limited depth beyond those established names.

Unless the bowling consistently performs above expectations, Welsh Fire could struggle against the competition's strongest all-round squads.

Birmingham Phoenix (10.00) – Outsiders with upside

Birmingham Phoenix enter the tournament as one of the longer-priced contenders.

Jacob Bethell leads an exciting young core, while Donovan Ferreira and Mitchell Owen offer significant power with the bat.

The bowling remains the biggest concern.

Beyond Saqib Mahmood and Mustafizur Rahman, there are questions over consistency and depth.

If that attack exceeds expectations, however, Phoenix could emerge as one of the surprise packages of the competition.

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Best outright bets

London Spirit (6.50)

London Spirit combine an experienced coach with one of the competition's most balanced squads, making them our favourite value selection ahead of the tournament.

Trent Rockets (7.50)

Few teams possess as much balance across both batting and bowling. They look well equipped to challenge for the title.

Manchester Super Giants (7.50)

With proven match-winners throughout the squad, Manchester appear slightly underrated by the market and offer solid outright value.

Verdict

MI London rightly begin the tournament as favourites, but outright betting is about identifying value rather than simply backing the shortest-priced team.

London Spirit, Trent Rockets and Manchester Super Giants all appear capable of challenging for the title while offering more attractive prices in the outright market.

For bettors looking beyond the favourites, those three franchises stand out as the strongest pre-tournament selections.

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