The 21st match of The Hundred provided a captivating spectacle, as anticipated by cricket fans. The Welsh Fire needed 16 runs in the final 10 balls, holding onto three wickets, yet the match experienced significant changes. The tension reached its peak when the Welsh Fire needed 6 runs from the last ball. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, but Southern Brave bowler Chris Jordan delivered a performance, only conceding one run, securing the win for his team.
Southern Brave secured the win in an unforgettable contest. Batting first, Southern Brave scored 129 runs for the loss of 8 wickets within their 100 balls. Australian batsman Hilton Cartwright displayed exceptional batting skills, scoring an unbeaten 51 runs off only 19 balls, including 5 sixes and 2 fours. Captain James Vince added 29 runs from 26 balls. David Payne, Matt Henry, and Chris Green took two wickets each for Welsh Fire. Winning this match was critical for Welsh Fire.
Welsh Fire’s performance faltered after a strong beginning. Before this match, Welsh Fire had lost three out of four matches. A win was essential. Openers Steve Smith and Jonny Bairstow initiated the team’s innings with a promising start, accumulating 24 runs in 12 balls. However, the team’s performance declined after Bairstow (22) was dismissed, with four wickets falling for just 50 runs. Tom Kohler-Cadmore (25) and Saif Zaib (21) tried to steady the team’s innings, but their efforts were not successful.
The final 10 balls produced intense moments. The Welsh Fire needed 16 runs from the last 10 balls, with three wickets remaining. All hopes were on Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who had been batting well, but James Coles took his wicket, ending Welsh Fire’s hopes. The team could only score 11 runs in the 10 balls and lost the match by 4 runs. Welsh Fire made 125 runs with 8 wickets lost in 100 balls.
Jofra Archer took the most wickets with three for Southern Brave. Craig Overton and James Coles claimed 2 wickets each. Welsh Fire sits at the bottom of the points table, having lost four matches. Southern Brave, with three wins out of six matches, is in fourth place.