Birmingham Phoenix Men has lost to Welsh Fire Men by 8 wickets in Match 24 of The Hundred 2025 at Edgbaston. Batting first, Phoenix scored only 138/9 in 100 balls, with Jacob Bethell leading the scoring with 38. Unfortunately, the middle order of Phoenix was able to contribute only a few brief knocks and the lack of partnerships and the flow of the innings continued throughout their innings. The target was comfortably achieved by the Welsh Fire, who ended at 140/2 in 89 balls after a calm and composed innings from their top order. Here are the main reasons why the Birmingham Phoenix Men lost the match.

1. Disjointed Batting Performance by Phoenix

Wickets kept falling at regular intervals in Phoenix’s innings, which is why they lacked a good flow of the game. In fact, the only positive was Jacob Bethell’s 38 off 28 balls. In no instance did a batter reach a start and go on to take charge of the match. The inability to stitch together big partnerships restricted them to a modest 138/9.

2. Fire’s Top Order Dominance

Welsh Fire’s chase was led by their top three, who each played important roles. Stephen Eskinazi made 42 off 29, Jonny Bairstow made 35 off 21, and Steve Smith top-scored with 47 not out off 36. Their ease of scoring meant the target was never in doubt as Welsh Fire cruised home comfortably.

See Also: The Hundred Women’s 2025 Match 26: London Spirit Women vs Southern Brave Women live streaming & where to watch

3. Lack of Penetration in Phoenix’s Bowling Attack

Phoenix's bowlers were unable to create any pressure, nor did they provide any breakthroughs when it mattered. Only Benny Howell (1/17) and Adam Milne (1/32) got amongst the wickets, while the rest of the attack, including Chris Wood (0/13), were unable to contain Fire's scoring. When Eskinazi and Smith were both dominating, Phoenix's bowlers had no answers and Fire easily secured the win with 11 balls to spare.

Birmingham Phoenix and Welsh Fire meet at Edgbaston on Friday, August 22, 2025, in Match 24 of The Hundred Men’s, and it is a must-win for both teams. Welsh Fire are coming off a narrow loss to Southern Brave and need to win this match, or it will be the end of the road for them. Birmingham Phoenix have only eight points to their name and also need to win every remaining match if they are to have any hopes of the playoffs. With both teams under immense pressure, it will be a high-pressure situation where every run and every wicket counts.

BPH vs WEF: Match Details

• Match: Birmingham Phoenix vs Welsh Fire
• Date: August 22, 2025
• Time: 11:00 PM IST
• Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
• Tournament: The Hundred 2025 – Match 24

BPH vs WEF: Live Streaming Details

See Also: The Hundred 2025 Match 24: BPH vs WEF head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

BPH vs WEF: Predicted Playing XIs

Birmingham Phoenix (BPH): Joe Clarke (wk), Will Smeed, Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone (c), Louis Kimber, Jacob Bethell, Benny Howell, Chris Wood, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult

Welsh Fire (WEF): Tom Abell (c), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Steven Smith, Luke Wells, Paul Walter, Chris Green, Saif Zaib, David Payne, Ajeet Dale, Matt Henry

Birmingham Phoenix and Welsh Fire will meet in a must-win match on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Edgbaston. This will be Match No. 24 of The Hundred Men's tournament. Both teams are in a difficult situation in terms of their tournaments, with Welsh Fire having just lost a close game to Southern Brave. Another loss here would eliminate Welsh Fire from the tournament. Both teams have to consider this majority a do-or-die battle.

As for Birmingham Phoenix, they have just eight points through their matches up to this point, so they will also be under pressure. To stay in the hunt for the next round, Liam Livingstone’s men must win their remaining three fixtures, which would take them to the qualification mark of 20 points. With both sides desperate for survival, fans can expect a fiery contest at Edgbaston, where every run and wicket will matter significantly.

BPH vs WEF: Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 4
  
• Won by Birmingham Phoenix: 3
  
• Won by Welsh Fire: 1

BPH vs WEF: Pitch Report

The Edgbaston pitch will offer some assistance early to seamers when the clouds are around. Batters will find it difficult in the first few overs but once set, they will get good value for their shots on this true surface. Partnerships will matter and both sides will be looking to exploit these conditions tactically.

See Also: The Hundred 2025 Match 24: Birmingham Phoenix vs Welsh Fire live streaming & where to watch

BPH vs WEF: Predicted Playing XIs

Birmingham Phoenix (BPH): Joe Clarke (wk), Will Smeed, Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone (c), Louis Kimber, Jacob Bethell, Benny Howell, Chris Wood, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult

Welsh Fire (WEF): Tom Abell (c), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Steven Smith, Luke Wells, Paul Walter, Chris Green, Saif Zaib, David Payne, Ajeet Dale, Matt Henry

BPH vs WEF Match Preview

The 24th match of The Hundred 2025 will take place on Friday night in Birmingham between Birmingham Phoenix and Welsh Fire. The Phoenix have had a reasonable season so far, sitting fifth with eight points from five matches. Meanwhile, the Fire have struggled and currently sit last with four points from five games. Birmingham had Welsh Fire's number in this tournament, and they should be confident of another victory.

BPH vs WEF Match Details 

Birmingham Phoenix vs Welsh Fire – 24th Match, The Hundred Men 2025

Venue: Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham

Date & Time: 22nd August 2025 at 11:00 PM IST

Live Streaming: FanCode

BPH vs WEF Venue Stats

BPH vs WEF Pitch Report

The pitch at Edgbaston Stadium is a batsman's dream. There are plenty of runs available on this surface, and the primary batters in both teams will be eager to make the most of the circumstances at the venue.

BPH vs WEF Weather Report

The climate at Birmingham is anticipated to be cloudy on match day, with temperatures ranging from 13 to 21°C  

BPH vs WEF Last Five Matches

BPH vs WEF Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: The Hundred 2025: BPH-W vs WEF-W Dream11 Prediction 24th Match

BPH vs WEF Probable Playing XIs:

Birmingham Phoenix Probable Playing XIs

Welsh Fire Probable Playing XIs

Tom Abell (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Steven Smith, Luke Wells, Saif Zaib, Paul Walter, Chris Green, David Payne, Ajeet Dale, Matt Henry

Topmost Picks for BPH vs WEF Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Birmingham Phoenix

• Liam Livingstone –  Liam Livingstone has carried the majority of the load with the bat, scoring 211 runs in five games at an average of 70.33 and a rate of 166.14. 
• Benny Howell –  Benny Howell has been the most consistent figure in the bowling assault, taking six wickets in five outings at an economy rate of 8.26.

Top Picks – Welsh Fire

• Jonny Bairstow –  Jonny Bairstow, as skipper, has basically kept that batting order alive on his own, scoring 200 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 175.43.
• Matt Henry –  Matt Henry was outstanding in the last game against the Southern Brave, taking 2-5 from 20 balls.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for BPH vs WEF Dream11 Team:

Jonny Bairstow(VC), Joe Clarke, Ben Duckett, Steve Smith, Jacob Bethell, Chris Green, Benny Howell, Liam Livingstone(C), David Payne, Matt Henry, Trent Boult

The Hundred Men 2025 BPH vs WEF Match Captain and Vice Captain choice for GL:

Captain – Liam Livingstone, Steve Smith

Vice-captain – Jonny Bairstow, Jacob Bethell

BPH vs WEF Probable Winners:

Birmingham Phoenix had a difficult start to the competition, but their recent win over London ought to have boosted confidence considerably. They are facing Welsh Fire, a team they have defeated in three of their previous four meetings. The Fire have appeared off color this season, so Phoenix will be favored to win again here. Considering the team combination, Birmingham Phoenix is expected to win this match.

BPH vs WEF Match Preview

On Thursday evening, Birmingham Phoenix will face Welsh Fire in match 14 of the 2023 Men’s Hundred at Edgbaston. After one defeat and two no-results, the Invincibles have yet to win their first game of the tournament. Welsh Fire has three points after three games. Birmingham Phoenix will be hoping for their first win of the season in this game. They will, however, face a formidable bowling attack at Welsh Fire. Welsh Fire have had some thrilling games so far this season. Their bowling attack is widely regarded as among the best in the competition.

BPH vs WEF Match Details

Birmingham Phoenix vs Welsh Fire – 14th Match

Venue: Edgbaston Cricket Ground – Edgbaston

Date & Time: 10th August 2023 at 11:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Fancode app

BPH vs WEF Venue Stats

BPH vs WEF Pitch Report

We have yet to see a ball bowled in the Men’s Hundred at Edgbaston this year due to the weather. We anticipate a fast pitch with a par score of 155 or higher.

BPH vs WEF Weather Report

The forecast for Thursday evening in Birmingham is for a warm evening with temperatures in the mid-20s. By the end of the game, the humidity will be extremely high.

BPH vs WEF Last Five Matches

BPH vs WEF Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

BPH vs WEF Probable Playing XIs:

Birmingham Phoenix Probable Playing XIs

Will Smeed, Ben Duckett, Moeen Ali (c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith (wk), Dan Mousley, Shadab Khan, Benny Howell, Adam Milne, Tom Helm, Kane Richardson

Welsh Fire Probable Playing XIs

Joe Clarke (wk), Luke Wells, Stephen Eskinazi, Tom Abell (c), Glenn Phillips, David Willey, Ben Green, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Roelof van der Merwe, Haris Rauf, David Payne

Topmost Picks for BPH vs WEF Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Birmingham Phoenix

• Liam Livingstone – The 30 year old hit two fours and one six in his innings at Old Trafford on Monday. The all-rounder will look to hit the ball over the stands at this venue.
• Benny Howell – The right-arm medium pacer should get some assistance from the overhead conditions on Thursday and dismissed Laurie Evans, Max Holden and Paul Walter in the last game.

Top Picks – Welsh Fire

• Joe Clarke – The England hopeful had a poor start to the tournament with successive ducks but he showed his class in the last game with 10 boundaries in his unbeaten innings.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi – The Pakistan pace bowler is one of the most exciting new ball bowlers in world cricket. He is always very dangerous in the first over 

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for BPH vs WEF Dream11 Team:

Joe Clarke, Luke Wells(VC), Glenn Phillips, Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone(C), David Willey, Shadab Khan, Benny Howell, Adam Milne, Shaheen Shah Afridi, David Payne

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for BPH vs WEF Dream11 Team:

Joe Clarke, Ben Green, Glenn Phillips, Will Smeed, Liam Livingstone, David Willey(C), Shadab Khan, Benny Howell(VC), Adam Milne, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – David Willey, Liam Livingstone

Vice-captain – Benny Howell, Luke Wells

Wicketkeeper – Joe Clarke

BPH vs WEF Probable Winners:

Under sunny skies, the Edgbaston crowd will be in for a good game on Thursday night! We anticipate a tight match with plenty of attacking strokes at the top of the order from both teams. Despite their strong bowling attack, we believe Welsh Fire will struggle with the bat in this match. We believe Birmingham Phoenix will win. Considering the team combination, Birmingham Phoenix is expected to win this match.