The 21st match of The Hundred lived up to the hype, delivering an enthralling contest. The Welsh Fire required 16 runs from the final 10 balls, with three wickets in hand, yet the match dynamics dramatically shifted. The climax arrived when the Welsh Fire needed 6 runs from the last delivery. The tension was palpable, but Southern Brave’s bowler, Chris Jordan, conceded just one run, securing a memorable victory for his side.
Southern Brave triumphed in this thrilling encounter. Batting first, Southern Brave amassed 129 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 100 balls. Australian batsman Hilton Cartwright shone with an unbeaten 51 off a mere 19 balls, including 5 sixes and 2 fours, bolstering the team’s score. Captain James Vince added 29 runs from 26 balls. David Payne, Matt Henry, and Chris Green each claimed two wickets for the Welsh Fire. This match was critical for Welsh Fire to win.
Welsh Fire’s innings stumbled after a promising start. Prior to this match, Welsh Fire had suffered defeat in three out of four games. A victory was crucial. Openers Steve Smith and Jonny Bairstow initiated a strong start, accumulating 24 runs in 12 balls. However, the team’s progress faltered following Bairstow’s (22) dismissal, with four wickets falling at just 50 runs. Tom Kohler-Cadmore (25) and Saif Zaib (21) attempted to steady the ship, but their efforts were insufficient.
The final 10 balls presented a whirlwind of emotions. With 16 runs needed from the last 10 balls and three wickets in hand, Welsh Fire’s hopes rested on Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who was batting well. However, James Coles’s dismissal of Kohler-Cadmore extinguished their hopes. The team could only manage 11 runs in those final 10 balls and lost the match by 4 runs. Welsh Fire ended with 125 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 100 balls.
Jofra Archer spearheaded Southern Brave’s bowling attack, securing three wickets. Craig Overton and James Coles each took two wickets. Welsh Fire occupies the bottom spot in the points table, having lost four matches. Southern Brave, with three victories from six matches, holds fourth position.
