The 21st match of The Hundred league delivered everything a cricket fan could hope for. In a thrilling encounter, the Welsh Fire needed 16 runs from the last 10 balls with three wickets in hand. However, the match took a dramatic turn. The tension peaked when the Welsh Fire needed 6 runs from the final ball. The entire stadium held its breath, but Southern Brave bowler Chris Jordan conceded only one run, securing a stunning victory for his team.
Southern Brave won the match in a close contest. Batting first, Southern Brave scored 129 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 100 balls. Australian batsman Hilton Cartwright played a remarkable innings, remaining unbeaten with 51 runs off just 19 balls, including 5 sixes and 2 fours, leading the team to a respectable score. Captain James Vince contributed 29 runs from 26 balls. For Welsh Fire, David Payne, Matt Henry, and Chris Green took two wickets each. This match was crucial for Welsh Fire.
Welsh Fire struggled after a good start. Before this match, Welsh Fire had lost three of their four matches. They needed to win this match. Openers Steve Smith and Jonny Bairstow gave the team a good start, adding 24 runs in 12 balls, but the team faltered after Bairstow (22) was out. Four wickets fell for just 50 runs. Tom Kohler-Cadmore (25) and Saif Zaib (21) tried to steady the innings, but they were unsuccessful.
The final 10 balls were full of drama. Welsh Fire needed 16 runs from the last 10 balls with three wickets remaining. All hopes rested on Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who was batting well, but James Coles dismissed him, dashing Welsh Fire’s hopes. The team managed to score only 11 runs in 10 balls and lost the match by 4 runs. Welsh Fire could only score 125 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 100 balls.
Jofra Archer took the most wickets for Southern Brave, with three. Craig Overton and James Coles took 2 wickets each. Welsh Fire, having lost four matches, is at the bottom of the points table. Southern Brave, having won three out of six matches, is in fourth place in the points table.
