Introduction
The men’s Hundred moves on to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, where Welsh Fire Men host Manchester Originals Men on 13 August 2025 (18:30 BST). Both sides have endured stuttering starts in the 2025 campaign – Fire are winless after two matches, while the Originals snapped a two‑match losing streak with victory over London Spirit. With four points on offer, this mid‑table clash is crucial for building momentum before the halfway stage. Here’s a preview of the form guide, key players and what to expect from the conditions in Cardiff.
Welsh Fire Men: seeking a spark
Welsh Fire came into the season hoping to erase memories of last year’s disappointment, but they have looked rusty. According to SportsCafe, Fire have back‑to‑back defeats and are cin Phil Salt led from the front with an enterprising 31 off 20 balls, and he remains their most consistent batter. SportsCafe lists Salt as his team’s top run‑scorer with 132 runs. He is ably supported by superstar keeper‑batter Jos Buttler, who can take games away single‑handedly, and South African power‑hitter Heinrich Klaasen. Young opener Matty Hurst impressed in the last match with controlled aggression, while all‑rounder Lewis Gregory adds depth down the order.
In the bowling department the Originals possess variety. Young seamer Scott Currie is their leading wicket‑taker with five wickets and has shown maturity at the death. Left‑arm spinner Tom Hartley extracts turn and bounce, while Afghan teen Noor Ahmad offers wicket‑taking wrist‑spin in the middle overs. Veteran pacer James Anderson brings guile and control, and all‑rounder Gregory chips in with cutters on a slow pitch. If the Originals can strike early and strangle Fire’s top order, they will fancy a repeat of last season when they beat Fire convincingly.
Pitch and conditions at Sophia Gardens
Sophia Gardens is a picturesque ground on the banks of the River Taff. Historically it offers true bounce early on before slowing as the match progresses. Data from the 2024 season su
on Jonny Bairstow, but their bowling lacks the penetration of the Originals’ varied attack. Manchester Originals, meanwhile, have more match‑winners across disciplines and arrive with confidence after their recent win. Head‑to‑head records are even at two wins apiece, so there is little psychological edge. However, given the contrasting forms – Fire winless and Originals finding momentum – the tip is to back Manchester Originals to come out on top. A par score of 150‑160 should be competitive.
For fantasy players (Dream11 or similar), here’s a suggested XI that balances reliability with upside:
- Wicket‑keepers: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (vc)
- Batters: Jonny Bairstow (c), Heinrich Klaasen, Luke Wells
- All‑rounders: Lewis Gregory, Paul Walter
- Bowlers: Riley Meredith, Scott Currie, Tom Hartley, Noor Ahmad
Salt and Bairstow are the form batters, while Buttler’s explosive potential makes him a strong vice‑captain option. Klaasen offers finishing power, and Wells can anchor the Fire innings. Gregory’s medium‑pace cutters suit the surface and his batting adds bonus points. Walter is a handy differential pick with both bat and ball. Meredith and Currie lead their respective attacks, and Hartley and Noor provide spin options that could exploit a worn pitch.
Final word
Fire fans will hope that a return to home soil sparks a change in fortunes, but they face a Manchester Originals side bubbling with belief after their breakthrough win. Expect an engaging contest with momentum swings and individual brilliance. Regardless of the result, the match promises entertainment and will have significant implications for the race to the playoffs. Tune in on 13 August to see whether Welsh Fire ignite their campaign or the Originals ride on to another victory – and don’t forget to follow our site for more match previews and fantasy tips throughout the Hundred season.
ggests an average first‑innings score of around 132 and that chasing becomes harder as the surface grips. Boundaries vary – the mid‑wicket boundary is about 84 metres while straight is only 60 metres, so bowlers often target the longer side. Seamers receive some assistance with the new ball, but spinners come into play later as the pitch takes turn. Weather in Cardiff is often changeable; current forecasts call for partly cloudy skies with a light breeze. Teams winning the toss may prefer to bat first, post 150+ and let the wicket deteriorate.
urrently seventh in the table. They lost their opening fixture narrowly to London Spirit, failing to defend 153 despite Jonny Bairstow’s fluent 86*, and then fell short again against Northern Superchargers in a rain‑affected game. The batting has revolved around Bairstow – he has scores of 42 and 86 and is Fire’s leading run‑scorer with 128 runs. Tom Kohler‑Cadmore and Luke Wells have yet to find their range, leaving the middle order light on runs.
On the bowling front, Australian quick Riley Meredith has carried the attack, picking up wickets with his skiddy pace and change‑ups. SportsCafe notes that he is Fire’s leading wicket‑taker this season. Left‑arm seamer David Payne and leg‑spinner Mason Crane have been economical without being penetrative, while all‑rounder Paul Walter offers variation at the death. Fire’s challenge will be to find early wickets against an Originals batting unit packed with power – otherwise they risk chasing the game again.
Manchester Originals Men: building momentum
The Originals started the season poorly, losing their first two matches, but they responded strongly last time out with a ten‑run victory over London Spirit.
