The Welsh Fire Men have suffered a heavy defeat, losing by 83 runs against the Oval Invincibles Men in Match 16 in The Hundred 2025, at the Oval. Invincibles set a new record of 226/4, thanks to Jordan Cox's brilliant innings of 86 not out from 29 balls; in reply, Welsh Fire were bowled out for just 143 in 93, with only Jonny Bairstow making a telling contribution with his fifty. The result was a clear indication of the difference in quality and execution between the two teams. Here are the main reasons why the Welsh Fire Men lost the match.

1. Record-Breaking Batting by Oval Invincibles (226/4)

Jordan Cox put in a phenomenal performance and finished with an unbeaten 86 from just 29 balls, which included 10 sixes. His innings helped lift the Invincibles to a record total of 226/4, the highest ever team score in the men's Hundred. Will Jacks (38 from 28) and Tawanda Muyeye (33 from 15) gave a blazing opening, energizing that extraordinary total.

2. Fire’s batting collapse despite Bairstow’s fifty

When chasing 227, Welsh Fire made a shaky start, with Eskinazi, Smith, and Wells falling early. Jonny Bairstow gave effort with a rapid 50 off 28 balls, but when he fell, the rest of the lineup crumbled under scoreboard pressure.

See Also: Top 3 reasons why Welsh Fire Women lost to Oval Invincibles Women in the Hundred women's 2025 match 16

3. Tom Curran’s devastating spell

Tom Curran 4/15 tore Fire’s middle order apart, thus no revival was possible. Alongside Jason Behrendorff (3/20), the Invincibles’ bowlers kept control, preventing any meaningful partnerships beyond Bairstow and Kohler-Cadmore.