Introduction
The Hundred 2025 continues to capture the imagination of cricket fans across the UK, offering fast-paced drama, big hits, and high-stakes finishes. One of the most gripping encounters of the week unfolded in Cardiff, where Welsh Fire locked horns with Southern Brave in a contest that went right down to the wire.
With the Fire chasing a competitive target under the lights at Sophia Gardens, the equation boiled down to a tense scenario: 27 runs needed from 20 balls. That moment encapsulated everything the tournament is designed to provide—edge-of-the-seat suspense, individual brilliance, and collective resilience.
This article provides a comprehensive update and deep analysis of the match, unpacking how both teams reached this position, the standout performances, tactical decisions, and the broader implications for The Hundred 2025 season.
The Build-Up: Cardiff Under the Lights
Cardiff has become one of the signature venues of The Hundred, with the Welsh Fire drawing passionate crowds every summer. Ahead of this fixture, anticipation was particularly high:
Southern Brave’s Credentials: Brave came in with one of the most balanced squads in the competition, boasting depth in batting and a potent bowling attack.
The crowd, dressed in fiery reds and Brave’s iconic green, created a festival atmosphere. From the very start, it was clear that this would be a contest dictated by small margins.
First Innings: Southern Brave Batting
Brave, asked to bat first, looked to set a strong total on what was a flat wicket but with some assistance for seamers under lights.
Key Highlights:
Explosive Start
Brave’s opening duo gave them momentum, smashing boundaries in the powerplay.
Finn Allen set the tone with a flurry of sixes, racing past 30 in no time.
Middle-Overs Shift
Fire’s bowlers, led by David Payne and Matt Henry, pulled things back.
Clever slower balls and cutters reduced the run rate, with crucial wickets breaking partnerships.
Brave Captain’s Anchor Role
His 45 off 32 balls ensured Brave never completely lost control.
Finish With a Flourish
Chris Jordan provided a late cameo, striking 20 off just 9 deliveries, pushing Brave’s total to a competitive 164 for 7 off 100 balls.
The commentary team noted that the total was “par plus,” putting Brave slightly in the driver’s seat.
Second Innings: Welsh Fire Chase
Chasing 165, the Fire needed a solid platform.
The Powerplay
Jonny Bairstow, back in form, lit up Sophia Gardens with trademark aggression.
His 28 off 15 balls gave Fire early momentum before he was dismissed by Jordan with a slower bouncer.
Middle Overs Battle
Joe Clarke and Ben Duckett consolidated, rotating the strike and punishing loose balls.
At the halfway stage, Fire were well poised at 85 for 2, needing 80 off the last 50 balls.
The Equation: 27 Off 20 Balls
As the innings wore on, the match became tighter. Wickets fell at regular intervals—Duckett holed out trying to accelerate, and Clarke was run out after a mix-up.
This left the Fire needing 27 from 20 deliveries, with David Willey and Leus du Plooy at the crease.
The atmosphere in Cardiff was electric. Fans knew that one big over could seal it for Fire, but Brave’s bowling depth meant the game was finely balanced.
Final Overs Breakdown
Over 81–85: Jordan’s Brilliance
Chris Jordan returned for a crucial set. Using yorkers and slower balls, he conceded just 5 runs, leaving Fire under pressure.
Over 86–90: Willey Counter-Attack
Willey launched a six over midwicket, swinging momentum back. Du Plooy chipped in with clever shots, keeping Fire alive.
Equation: 10 needed from 10 balls.
Over 91–95: Topley’s Comeback
Reece Topley bowled with precision, dismissing Willey with a slower delivery. Only 6 runs came off his set, meaning Fire now required 4 from 5 balls.
Over 96–100: Fire Cross the Line
Du Plooy, cool under pressure, guided a boundary through extra cover to seal the win with 3 balls to spare. The stadium erupted as Fire completed a thrilling 4-wicket victory.
Turning Points of the Match
Bairstow’s Powerplay Assault – Gave Fire early momentum.
Jordan’s Penultimate Set – Almost swung the game back in Brave’s favor.
Du Plooy’s Finish – Calm, composed, and decisive.
Player Performances
Welsh Fire
Jonny Bairstow: 28 off 15, vital at the top.
David Willey: Quickfire 22, plus steady bowling earlier.
Leus du Plooy: Match-winning 31 not out.
David Payne: 2 wickets, excellent death bowling.
Southern Brave
James Vince: 45, held innings together.
Chris Jordan: 1/25 and 20* off 9 – superb all-round show.
Rehan Ahmed: Economical spell, 1/21.
Reactions and Commentary
Experts
Former players in commentary praised both sides:
“That’s what The Hundred is all about—pressure, innovation, and last-over finishes.”
“Welsh Fire showed resilience tonight. That’s a big win for their campaign.”
Fans
Implications for The Hundred 2025 Season
Welsh Fire: The victory pushes them closer to the top four, keeping alive hopes of qualification.
Southern Brave: The defeat is a setback, but their strong net run rate means they remain in contention.
Tournament Impact: The result tightens the table, with every point now crucial as the group stage enters its decisive phase.
The Hundred’s Growing Legacy
This Cardiff thriller adds to the growing list of unforgettable matches in The Hundred. Since its inception, the tournament has:
Brought new audiences to cricket.
Delivered fast-paced entertainment.
Given younger players a platform to shine alongside internationals.
For Welsh Fire fans, nights like this prove the team is no longer an underdog but a side capable of pulling off big wins in pressure situations.
Conclusion
From Vince’s composed batting to Bairstow’s fireworks and du Plooy’s calm finish, the match had everything.
Ultimately, the defining image of the night was du Plooy punching the winning boundary and the Cardiff crowd roaring in celebration. For the Fire, it was a statement win. For the Brave, it was a lesson in the fine margins that decide matches in this format.
As the tournament heads into its final stretch, one thing is certain—The Hundred continues to thrive as one of cricket’s most exciting innovations.
