As the sun sets over the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on August 5th, 2025, the stage will be set for an electrifying start to the fifth edition of The Hundred. Reigning champions Oval Invincibles will lock horns with a refreshed and determined London Spirit side in the tournament opener that promises fireworks, high-octane cricket, and a battle of experience vs momentum.
This fixture is more than just a season opener. It is a clash of styles, reputations, and legacies. While Oval Invincibles come into the match with the swagger of defending champions and two titles already under their belt, London Spirit, under new leadership, are desperate to shake off past disappointments and make a mark this season.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this high-voltage showdown—from player battles, pitch report, team combinations, Dream11 picks, and a detailed match preview.
Match Details
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Match: London Spirit vs Oval Invincibles
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Date: August 5, 2025 (Monday)
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Time: 11:00 PM IST | 5:30 PM GMT | 6:30 PM Local
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Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
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Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK), FanCode (India)
Setting the Stage: A Rivalry Renewed
Oval Invincibles have been the benchmark in The Hundred, boasting an enviable win record, consistent performances, and match-winning players who thrive under pressure. Having claimed the championship in 2023 and 2024, they come in with sky-high confidence.
London Spirit, on the other hand, have been plagued by inconsistency over the years. But the franchise has undergone a major overhaul ahead of the 2025 season. With Kane Williamson at the helm and the inclusion of Australian dynamo David Warner, this year’s squad feels more balanced, aggressive, and experienced.
LNS vs OVI Head-to-Head Record
The numbers speak volumes about the dominance of Oval Invincibles in this fixture. Out of seven meetings between the two teams, the Invincibles have emerged victorious on six occasions.
Total Matches | LNS Wins | OVI Wins | No Result |
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7 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
This lopsided record adds a layer of pressure on London Spirit to flip the script, especially at their home ground.
Lord’s Pitch Report: Historic Slope, Modern Run-Feast
Lord’s has always been a venue with character. The historic slope—a drop of 2.5 meters from one side to the other—offers a unique test for bowlers and batters alike. While traditionally known to help seamers under overcast conditions, The Hundred’s matches here have leaned toward high-scoring thrillers.
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Bounce and Carry: Excellent for stroke-play
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Movement: Assistance early on for swing bowlers
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Batting-Friendly: Settles down well in the second innings
Toss Factor: Teams may prefer to bowl first to exploit early seam and swing before the pitch flattens out.
London Spirit – A Team on a Mission
Captain: Kane Williamson
Key Addition: David Warner
X-Factor: Liam Dawson’s utility and Luke Wood’s new-ball impact
London Spirit’s 2025 squad has been constructed with a clear vision—experience at the top, aggression in the middle, and reliable bowlers at both ends. Williamson brings tactical brilliance and calm leadership, while Warner adds firepower and experience.
Likely Playing XI:
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David Warner
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Keaton Jennings
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Kane Williamson (c)
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John Simpson (wk)
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Liam Dawson
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Ashton Turner
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Jamie Overton
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Luke Wood
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Daniel Worrall
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Olly Stone
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Richard Gleeson
Impact Player Options: Ryan Higgins, Sean Dickson, Jafer Chohan
Strengths:
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Explosive top order
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Variety in pace attack (Overton, Wood, Stone)
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Left-arm options for better matchups
Concerns:
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Inexperienced middle order
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Reliance on spin utility (Dawson alone may not be enough)
Oval Invincibles – Champions with a Point to Prove
Captain: Sam Billings
Key Weapon: Rashid Khan
X-Factor: Sam Curran’s all-round brilliance
The Invincibles have built a dynasty-like dominance in The Hundred. With a core that includes Billings, the Curran brothers, Will Jacks, and Rashid Khan, they have match-winners across all departments.
Likely Playing XI:
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Will Jacks
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Miles Hammond
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Sam Curran
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Jordan Cox
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Sam Billings (c/wk)
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Donovan Ferreira
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Tom Curran
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Rashid Khan
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Jason Behrendorff
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Saqib Mahmood
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George Scrimshaw
Impact Player Options: Jordan Clark, Nathan Sowter, Zafar Gohar
Strengths:
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Explosive openers and flexible middle order
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Rashid Khan’s unmatched spin threat
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Experience in pressure situations
Concerns:
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Slight over-reliance on Rashid for middle-overs control
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Can leak runs if Currans have an off day
Key Player Battles to Watch
1. David Warner vs Rashid Khan
Two titans of the T20/Hundred format. Warner’s aggressive intent vs Rashid’s control and guile. A battle that could define the game.
2. Will Jacks vs Luke Wood
Jacks is known to take on pacers early, but Wood’s left-arm angle and swing could be tricky with the new ball.
3. Sam Curran vs Liam Dawson
Two underrated match-winners who can change games with bat or ball. Their tactical match-up in the middle overs will be crucial.
Dream11 Prediction – Fantasy Picks for LNS vs OVI
Wicketkeeper:
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Jordan Cox – Clean striker, often underrated, likely to bat top 4.
Batters:
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David Warner
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Will Jacks
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Kane Williamson
All-Rounders:
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Sam Curran (Captain Option)
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Liam Dawson
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Ashton Turner
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Tom Curran
Bowlers:
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Rashid Khan (Vice Captain Option)
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Jason Behrendorff
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Luke Wood
Dream11 Captain and Vice Captain Choices
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Option 1: Sam Curran (c), Will Jacks (vc) – Consistent performers, involved in both departments.
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Option 2: Rashid Khan (c), Kane Williamson (vc) – Stability + wicket-taking edge.
Dream11 Backups / Substitutes:
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Richard Gleeson (LNS – pacer)
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Olly Stone (LNS – express pace)
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George Scrimshaw (OVI – right-arm quick)
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Nathan Sowter (OVI – leg spinner)
What’s at Stake?
For Oval Invincibles, it’s about cementing their dynasty and sending a message to other challengers. For London Spirit, this is a clean slate—a chance to overturn past records and emerge as genuine title contenders.
The fans at Lord’s will be treated to top-quality cricket, from Warner’s attacking shots to Rashid’s whirling deliveries and Sam Curran’s charismatic swagger.
Final Verdict
While the head-to-head and form strongly favor Oval Invincibles, this London Spirit unit looks far more prepared than ever before. If Warner and Williamson get going and the bowling unit sticks to its plan, the opening night could well witness an upset.
Predicted Winner: Oval Invincibles (in a close contest)
But in a format as dynamic as The Hundred, expect the unexpected.
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