Southern Brave Men vs Welsh Fire Men meet in the Hundred Men at Utilita Bowl, Southampton on 28 August, with the match beginning at 23:00 IST (18:30 UK time). With the competition entering its decisive stages, both sides will be eager to gain crucial points as they push for knockout qualification.
Form Guide
Southern Brave Men
The Brave have been formidable at home, using the conditions in Southampton to their advantage. Their batting is anchored by reliable top-order players, while their allrounders add depth and balance. The bowling attack, featuring experienced seamers and spinners, has been effective in both restricting opponents and taking wickets at key moments.
- Strong home record at the Utilita Bowl, with batters thriving in familiar conditions.
- Bowling unit blends accuracy and variation, making them difficult to dominate.
- Team balance allows flexibility in both chasing and defending totals.
Welsh Fire Men
The Fire have shown improvement this season, competing more consistently thanks to contributions from both domestic and overseas stars. Their batting has gained firepower, while their bowling has displayed discipline, especially in the powerplay. However, depth and finishing ability remain areas they need to strengthen against stronger opposition.
- Top order relies on impactful starts from their aggressive openers.
- Bowling attack led by seamers who mix pace variations to control scoring.
- Fielding energy has improved, but pressure moments still test their composure.
Key Players
Southern Brave Men
- James Vince – Classy opener whose timing and strokeplay set the tone for the innings.
- Devon Conway – Dependable top-order batter, capable of anchoring innings and accelerating late.
- Chris Jordan – Experienced allrounder, effective at the death with ball in hand and useful with the bat.
Welsh Fire Men
- Jonny Bairstow – Explosive opener who can dismantle attacks with power hitting in the powerplay.
- David Willey – Left-arm allrounder, dangerous with the new ball and a capable finisher with the bat.
- Shaheen Afridi – World-class left-arm pacer, lethal with swing early and yorkers at the death.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Utilita Bowl pitch typically offers true bounce, rewarding well-timed shots, while bowlers who hit hard lengths and vary pace can still find success. Spinners may also come into play as the surface wears. The weather forecast is favourable, with dry conditions expected, setting the stage for a high-quality contest.
Southern Brave Men vs Welsh Fire Men – Prediction
The Brave’s balanced line-up and strong home advantage make them slight favourites. If James Vince and Devon Conway provide a solid platform, their bowlers, led by Chris Jordan, can defend totals effectively. For Welsh Fire, the form of Jonny Bairstow and the strike threat of Shaheen Afridi will be crucial. Prediction: Southern Brave Men to edge a close contest at home.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Captain: James Vince – consistent run-scorer and match anchor at the top.
- Vice-captain: Shaheen Afridi – wicket-taking weapon with new ball and death overs impact.
- Value pick: Chris Jordan – brings wickets and handy lower-order runs for fantasy points.
