Another Season, Another Collection of Unmissable Moments
There's something about The Hundred that continues to divide opinion among cricket purists, yet season after season it produces moments that are genuinely difficult to ignore. The 2026 edition was no different. Having spent years coaching at various levels, I've watched plenty of cricket that felt ordinary, and then I've watched The Hundred — a format that, whatever you think of its ruleset, reliably delivers the kind of jaw-dropping action that gets people talking. BBC Sport's end-of-season highlights package for the 2026 men's and women's tournaments was a timely reminder of just how much entertainment was packed into those few weeks of competition.
The Crowds, the Colour and One Very Dedicated Fan
One of the most charming moments to emerge from the 2026 tournament had nothing to do with a ball being bowled. A fan spotted knitting away in the stands somehow captured the imagination of viewers and commentators alike, becoming a small but memorable emblem of the tournament's unique atmosphere. It speaks to something I genuinely admire about The Hundred — it has brought people through the turnstiles who simply weren't attending cricket before. Whether that fan was keeping score in wool or just enjoying the occasion, it's a lovely image of the sport broadening its reach. The grounds were loud, colourful and full of energy throughout both the men's and women's competitions.
Batting Brilliance and Ball-Striking at Its Best
The power hitting on display across the 2026 tournament was exceptional, even by the elevated standards this format demands. The shortened format places an enormous premium on clean ball-striking, and batters from several franchises delivered in spectacular fashion. Long sixes, ramp shots over fine leg and audacious reverse sweeps all featured prominently in what was another high-scoring campaign. From a coaching perspective, what impressed me most was the variety of shots on show — this wasn't just brute force, it was skilled, calculated aggression. For those keeping an eye on the betting markets, the sheer volume of big totals posted throughout the group stages made the outright winner markets shift several times, with a number of shorter-priced fancies failing to convert their promise into silverware.
The Catches That Stopped the Ground
If the batting provided the fireworks, the fielding in 2026 supplied some of the most technically brilliant moments of the season. Catches taken on the boundary in particular — where fielders had to manage their footwork with precision to stay in play — were a recurring highlight across both the men's and women's competitions. The women's tournament, it must be said, has continued to grow in stature and the standard of fielding on display reflected a professional environment that has matured considerably. Reaction catches in the infield, diving stops and direct-hit run-outs all featured heavily in what was a fielding exhibition worth studying.
A Format That Continues to Find Its Place
After several seasons, The Hundred feels more settled than it once did. The debates around its format haven't entirely gone away — they probably never will — but the 2026 tournament demonstrated that it is capable of producing cricket worth celebrating. As a former coach, I'm always most interested in the technical quality behind the headlines, and this year there was plenty to admire beneath the entertainment spectacle. With new ownership structures now shaping the competition's future direction, the coming years will be fascinating to watch. One thing is certain: the moments this tournament generates continue to give cricket fans — knitting needles in hand or otherwise — plenty to remember.
