All of the fixtures in The Hundred scheduled for Wednesday will be played under full floodlighting, a decision prompted by the upcoming solar eclipse. During the eclipse, the moon will obscure as much as ninety percent of the Sun’s disc, casting a noticeable shadow across the sky. The event is set to begin at 6:17 p.m. and will conclude around 8:06 p.m., with the maximum coverage occurring just after 7:00 p.m.
This will be the first partial solar eclipse visible across Europe in 27 years, and in certain locations the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth will be so precise that a total eclipse will be observed. As the Moon moves in front of the Sun, spectators can expect a gradual dimming of natural light, a slight dip in temperature, and even a possible shift in wind direction. After a few minutes of darkness, the Sun will re‑emerge and daylight will return to normal. The Hundred will feature four matches on Wednesday, each of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Fans are advised to use the Chrome browser for the best video‑player experience. The schedule is as follows: the Welsh Fire women will take on London Spirit women at 11:30 a.m. in Cardiff, followed by the men’s Welsh Fire versus London Spirit game at 3:00 p.m. In Birmingham, the Phoenix women will host MI London at Edgbaston from 3:00 p.m., and the men’s Phoenix versus MI London clash will start at 6:30 p.m.
In preparation for the eclipse, organisers have announced that the stadium floodlights will stay on for the entire duration of each match. Additional signage and announcements will be provided to inform spectators about the unusual lighting conditions and to remind them of safety precautions when viewing the eclipse.
The eclipse will also affect other sporting events taking place on the same day. At Kempton Park, race meetings are slated to run during the eclipse window. Unlike the twilight meeting at Ffos Las, which has been moved forward to guarantee that all six races occur in daylight, Kempton’s schedule can remain unchanged thanks to the permanent floodlights installed at the Sunbury circuit. The eclipse is forecast to reach its peak between 7:02 p.m.
and 7:16 p.m., and Kempton has races slated for 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Barney Clifford, Kempton’s clerk of the course, reflected on the rarity of the phenomenon: "The last time we experienced an eclipse here was almost thirty years ago, before the floodlights were installed. I remember the darkness, but back then we relied solely on natural light. This time we will switch the floodlights on well before the doors open.
Even though the official timing is known, the exact amount of solar coverage can vary, so we are ensuring the lights are on early enough to cover any uncertainty." Spectators who wish to watch the eclipse safely must use specially certified solar‑eclipse glasses. Ordinary sunglasses, smoked glass, or other improvised filters do not provide adequate protection and can cause serious eye damage. Experts stress that only glasses meeting the ISO 12312‑2 standard should be used for direct viewing.
For those who cannot attend the matches in person, Sky Sports offers a range of digital options. Viewers can stream every Hundred game, as well as additional content such as highlights, analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes footage, through the NOW platform without a contract. The service also provides real‑time updates on the men’s and women’s Hundred tables, allowing fans to track their favourite teams throughout the competition.
Sky Sports also encourages fans to stay connected via WhatsApp, where they can receive the latest sports news, video clips, feature stories, and expert analysis directly on their mobile devices. This channel is especially useful for receiving last‑minute updates about the eclipse, such as any changes to match timings or safety advisories. In summary, the partial solar eclipse on Wednesday will create a unique atmosphere for The Hundred’s four matches, with floodlights illuminating the fields throughout the event.
The combination of reduced natural light, cooler temperatures, and the awe‑inspiring celestial display promises an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators. Whether you are watching from the stands, following the action on television, or streaming online, be sure to enjoy the spectacle responsibly and protect your eyes when observing the eclipse.
The tournament will continue through to its finals on Sunday, 16 August, with all matches available to stream contract‑free on NOW.