The women’s edition of The Hundred returns to Cardiff as Welsh Fire Women take on Southern Brave Women at Sophia Gardens on Thursday 20 August 2025. The first ball is scheduled for 11:30 AM BST (4:00 PM IST). Expect a lively atmosphere at one of Wales’ premier cricket venues, with both teams aiming to strengthen their campaigns.
Form Guide
Welsh Fire Women
The Fire have been spirited this season, showing progress in their batting depth while continuing to rely on their international stars for impact. They’ve been competitive but will look to convert close matches into wins.
- ✔️ Top-order partnerships giving them brisk starts in recent outings.
- ❌ Struggled to close out tight chases under pressure.
- ✔️ Overseas players providing vital all-round contributions.
Southern Brave Women
The Brave remain one of the most consistent sides in The Hundred, boasting a mix of world-class stars and domestic talent. They have built momentum early in the competition and continue to be strong favourites.
- ✔️ Consistent opening partnerships have set strong platforms.
- ✔️ Bowling unit taking wickets in the powerplay and squeezing in the middle overs.
- ❌ Lower order yet to be fully tested under scoreboard pressure.
Key Players
Welsh Fire Women
- Tammy Beaumont – Inspirational captain and top-order batter capable of anchoring or accelerating as needed.
- Hayley Matthews – Dynamic all-rounder whose power hitting and off-spin bring balance to the side.
- Georgia Elwiss – Reliable middle-order presence who steadies innings under pressure.
Southern Brave Women
- Smriti Mandhana – Classy opener and one of the tournament’s most consistent run-scorers.
- Danni Wyatt – Aggressive batter who can dismantle bowling attacks in the powerplay.
- Anya Shrubsole – Veteran seamer and captain whose leadership and new-ball skills are invaluable.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Sophia Gardens typically offers a good balance between bat and ball, with seamers enjoying assistance early before the surface flattens out for batting. Spin can play a role as the game progresses. The weather forecast looks clear and sunny with only a light breeze, making for ideal playing conditions.
Welsh Fire Women vs Southern Brave Women – Prediction
The Fire will count on Beaumont and Matthews to deliver, but the Brave’s all-round strength, especially with Mandhana, Wyatt and Shrubsole, gives them the edge. Expect a competitive clash, but Southern Brave Women remain favourites to take the points in Cardiff.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Smriti Mandhana (BRV) – Consistent opener and reliable fantasy choice.
- Hayley Matthews (WEF) – All-rounder offering runs and wickets.
- Anya Shrubsole (BRV) – Wicket-taker with the new ball and leadership impact.
