The Manchester Originals Men were defeated by the Welsh Fire Men by 25 runs in Match 12 of The Hundred 2025 at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. The chase was well and truly alive as Jos Buttler raced to 57 off 34 balls until he was dismissed, triggering an extraordinary collapse. The Welsh Fire bowlers, especially Riley Meredith, Chris Green, and David Payne, were clinical and timely with their wicket-taking. Beforehand, the Fire were able to put together a defendable score of 138 to take their first win of the season. Here are the main reasons why Manchester Originals Lost the match:

1. Lethal Bowling by Welsh Fire

Riley Meredith tore through the top order with a blistering 4 for 9, removing some key batters. Chris Green (3 for 19) and David Payne (3 for 28) kept the pressure on by picking their wickets at important moments of the innings, e.g., Buttler’s wicket, thus stopping the run chase.

2. Catastrophic Batting Collapse 

Following Buttler's departure, the Originals lost six wickets for just nine runs to collapse from a position of dominance and were all out in less than 20 overs. The loss of energy was so sudden that no comeback was possible.

See Also: Top 3 reasons why Southern Brave Men lost to Northern Superchargers Men in the Hundred 2025 match 11

3. Balanced All-Round Display by Welsh Fire 

Contributions from Tom Kohler-Cadmore (26 off 16) and Steve Smith (26 off 22) set a solid platform, while Chris Green’s quickfire late cameo boosted the total. The combined batting effort, along with good and clinical bowling when required, meant Fire was ahead throughout.

The Hundred 2025 starts. The 11th game of the tournament will see Manchester Originals vs Welsh Fire with two sides that are bursting with star names. The 100-ball matches are action-packed and short, so it will be fireworks from some of the best batters and fast bowlers in world cricket under the lights at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. Much of what is to follow for both sides this season will be on display in this match. 

Match Details

• Match: Manchester Originals vs Welsh Fire, 12th Match 
• Date: 13 August 2025
• Time: 11:00 PM IST
• Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

Welsh Fire (WF) :

• Steve Smith (Batsman):A composed and elegant batsman, he is adept at building his innings rotating the strike.
• Jonny Bairstow (Keeper-opener): Explosive opener who can turn things around in a few overs.
• Tom Abell: A solid middle-order bat and a sensible on-field skipper.
• Riley Meredith (Bowler) : Fast and fiery, quick wickets with his pace and bounce.

 Manchester Originals (MO) 

• Philip Salt (Captain, Batsman): Over in the Captaincy there's Philip Skyrocketing opener who gives an intense beginning with his preventing gold swings.
• Jos Buttler (Wk) : Innovative batter, also deadly in both the first and final power play.
• Heinrich Klaasen (Batsman) : Aggressive hitter, preferably lined up against spin.
• Noor Ahmad (Bowler) : A young spinner he can mix with the Aussies in batting friendly conditions and break partnership at critical times. 

ALSO READ:The Hundred 2025: WEF vs MNR Dream11 Prediction 12th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

WEF vs MNR Probable Playing XIs:

Welsh Fire Probable Playing XIs

Manchester Originals Probable Playing XIs

Philip Salt (c), Ben McKinney, Jos Buttler (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Mark Chapman, Lewis Gregory, Scott Currie, Noor Ahmad, Farhan Ahmed, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker

Match 12 of The Hundred Men’s 2025 will see Welsh Fire (WEF) going head-to-head with Manchester Originals (MNR) at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Wednesday, 13 August, at 11:00 PM IST. With two losses, Welsh Fire are, at the moment, in seventh position on the points table and will have to play their best to get better. After a great comeback from two defeats, Manchester Originals, sixth on the table, have gotten a win out of three matches. Both teams will look to secure a vital victory to climb the standings.

WEF vs MNR: Match Details

• Match: Welsh Fire vs Manchester Originals
• Date: August 13, 2025
• Time: 11:00 PM IST
• Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
• Tournament: The Hundred 2025 – Match 12

WEF vs MNR: Live Streaming Details

See Also: The Hundred 2025 Match 12: WEF vs MNR head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

WEF vs MNR: Predicted Playing XIs

Welsh Fire (WEF):
Steven Smith, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Luke Wells, Tom Abell (c), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Saif Zaib, Paul Walter, Chris Green, David Payne, Josh Hull, Riley Meredith

Manchester Originals (MNR):
Philip Salt (c), Ben McKinney, Jos Buttler (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Mark Chapman, Lewis Gregory, Scott Currie, Noor Ahmad, Farhan Ahmed, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker

Welsh Fire (WEF) will take on Manchester Originals (MNR) in Match 12 of The Hundred Men’s 2025 at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Wednesday, August 13, at 11:00 PM IST. Welsh Fire currently sit seventh on the points table, having lost both of their matches so far. They will need to bring their best performance to get back into the hunt and improve their position in the tournament.

Manchester Originals, who are in 6th place, have won only one of their three matches this season. After losing their opening two games, they had a decent recovery with a win against London Spirit in their last outing. To them it will be a vital point to take that momentum forward and get another important victory.

WEF vs MNR: Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played – 4
  
• Welsh Fire won – 2
  
• Manchester Originals won – 2
  
• No Result – 0
  

The head-to-head record between Welsh Fire and Manchester Originals is evenly poised, with both sides having won two matches each.

WEF vs MNR: Pitch Report

At Sophia Gardens, the pitch is anticipated to provide a fairly equal battle between the bat and the ball. The last few pacers have been really successful here and they have usually been able to get the opening wickets. If batters manage to get set, then they can score big towards the end of the innings; however, the selecting of shots should be done very cautiously in this kind of pitch.

See Also: The Hundred 2025 Live streaming details: Where and how to watch Welsh Fire vs Manchester Originals match 12

WEF vs MNR: Predicted Playing XIs

Welsh Fire (WEF):
Steven Smith, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Luke Wells, Tom Abell (c), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Saif Zaib, Paul Walter, Chris Green, David Payne, Josh Hull, Riley Meredith

Manchester Originals (MNR):
Philip Salt (c), Ben McKinney, Jos Buttler (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Mark Chapman, Lewis Gregory, Scott Currie, Noor Ahmad, Farhan Ahmed, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker

WEF vs MNR Match Preview

Welsh Fire will take on Manchester Originals in Match 12 of the 2025 Men's Hundred tomorrow evening at Sophia Gardens. Both teams have had a rough start, with Wales in seventh place after losing both of their early games and yet to score. Manchester is only above them in the table, with four points after three matches. With both sides hoping to turn things around, this may be a tight battle for crucial points.

WEF vs MNR Match Details 

Welsh Fire vs Manchester Originals – 12th Match, The Hundred Men 2025

Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

Date & Time: 13th August 2025 at 11:00 PM IST

Live Streaming: FanCode

WEF vs MNR Venue Stats

WEF vs MNR Pitch Report

The pitch is large, but the wicket here proved good to bat on from the first few overs. Because of the large size of the ground, batters must play patiently and rotate their strikes. Fast bowlers benefit from early assistance, while spinners thrive due to the turn on offer.

WEF vs MNR Weather Report

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

WEF vs MNR Last Five Matches

WEF vs MNR Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

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

Also Read: The Hundred 2025: WEF-W vs MNR-W Dream11 Prediction 12th Match

WEF vs MNR Probable Playing XIs:

Welsh Fire Probable Playing XIs

Manchester Originals Probable Playing XIs

Philip Salt (c), Ben McKinney, Jos Buttler (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Mark Chapman, Lewis Gregory, Scott Currie, Noor Ahmad, Farhan Ahmed, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker

Topmost Picks for WEF vs MNR Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Welsh Fire

• Jonny Bairstow –  Jonny Bairstow has been the star performer thus far, collecting 128 runs in just two games with a strike rate of 175.34.
• Riley Meredith –  Riley Meredith proved to be in the top spot, taking three wickets while maintaining his economy under nine.

Top Picks – Manchester Originals

• Philip Salt – Philip Salt has been in terrific form as captain, scoring 132 runs in three games with a strike rate of 142. 
• Scott Currie –  Scott Currie proved to be the most effective bowler thus far, capturing five wickets in three matches with an economy rate of 7.92.

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

Heinrich Klaasen, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow(C), Philip Salt(VC), Steve Smith, Lewis Gregory, Paul Walter, Chris Green, Scott Currie, Noor Ahmad, Riley Meredith

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

Captain – Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler

Vice-captain – Steve Smith, Philip Salt

WEF vs MNR Probable Winners:

Welsh Fire and Manchester Originals have not had the finest starts this season. Despite possessing a formidable lineup on paper, the Fire have yet to win a game. They've struggled to work well together throughout matches. Manchester has done better, and their most recent triumph should have buoyed their spirits. Given recent form and team balance, Manchester appears to be in a little stronger position to win this one. Considering the team combination, Manchester Originals is expected to win this match.

Welsh Fire will be hoping desperately to put last season behind them. They lost eight out of eight and had their share of concerns but willl now be desperate to get their side back on track and make a stronger mark this season.

WEF vs MNR Match Details

Date: August 2nd, 2023

Time:  7:30 PM IST

Venue: Cardiff

WEF vs MNR Weather Report

It will be cloudy and humid throughout this fixture.

WEF vs MNR Pitch Report

The nature of the new ground is uncertain but given the nature of the format, a flat pitch offering a lot of runs could be expected making it better for the side batting second.

WEF vs MNR Predicted Playing XII

WEF Playing XI

Joe Clarke, Luke Wells, Stephen Eskinazi, Chris Cooke, David Willey, Tom Abell, Glenn Phillips, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Roleof Van Der Merwe, Ben Green

MNR Playing XI

Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Max Holden, Ashton Turner, Paul Walter, Jamie Overton, Wayne Madsen, Ben Raine, Josh Little, Josh Tongue, Richard Gleeson, Tom Hartly

WEF vs MNR Key Players

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler returns to action after the T20 Blast, where he seems to have found some form. His numbers in the IPL prior to that though were not the greatest by his standards and he will be hoping to improve on that now in the Hundred as big crowds await him.

Joe Clarke

Joe Clarke was a standout performer last year with some consistent scores in the top-order. He has done pretty well in the domestic season as well and a good season here could see him put pressure on the national team selectors.

WEF vs MNR Match Tips

Welsh Fire did not have a great time last season and with Jonny Bairstow’s availability uncertain they will have their work cut-out for them against a strong Manchester unit.

Match Prediction: Manchester Originals Will Win the Match

WEF vs MNR Match Preview

On Wednesday afternoon, Welsh Fire will face Manchester Originals in the second match of the 2023 Men’s Hundred at Sofia Gardens. Welsh Fire have finished last in both seasons of the competition and have lost all of their matches. Manchester Originals advanced to the finals in 2022. Welsh Fire have only won two games in the competition’s first two seasons, but this is a new season. To defeat Manchester Originals, they will need to put on one of their best performances. Manchester Originals were defeated in the 2022 final by Trent Rockets, and they will be desperate to advance this year. They have a team of white ball experts.

WEF vs MNR Match Details

Welsh Fire vs Manchester Originals – 2nd Match

Venue: Sophia Gardens – Cardiff

Date & Time: 02nd August 2023 at 07:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Fancode app

WEF vs MNR Venue Stats

WEF vs MNR Pitch Report

Both teams are equally at ease either batting or fielding first. However, given that this is the first game of the season, we anticipate both teams to want to chase.

WEF vs MNR Weather Report

For many years, batters have relied on this Sophia Gardens pitch. Expect a surface with excellent speed and carry.

WEF vs MNR Last Five Matches

WEF vs MNR Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

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

WEF vs MNR Probable Playing XIs:

Welsh Fire Probable Playing XIs

Joe Clarke (wk), Steve Eskinazi, Chris Cooke, Tom Abell (c), Glenn Phillips, David Willey, Ben Green, Jake Ball, Haris Rauf, David Payne, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Manchester Originals Probable Playing XIs

Jos Buttler (wk) (c), Laurie Evans, Phil Salt, Paul Walter, Ashton Turner, Tom Lammonby, Jamie Overton, Richard Gleeson, Josh Tongue, Josh Little

Topmost Picks for WEF vs MNR Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Welsh Fire

• Joe Clarke- the keeper-batter has enjoyed two very successful back to back seasons in the Big Bash League. He is a consistent run scorer across all formats.
• David Payne- the Gloucestershire left-arm medium fast bowler played international cricket for the first time last year. He will get movement through the air and off the pitch at this venue.

Top Picks – Manchester Originals

• Jos Buttler- the England white ball captain had a disappointing Indian Premier League earlier this year but will be looking forward to showing his skills again in this tournament.
• Josh Little- the left-arm fast medium bowler gets swing and bowls aggressively. He can sometimes be expensive but is a regular wicket taker.

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

Steve Eskinazi, Joe Clarke, Jos Buttler, Phil Salt(VC), Laurie Evans, David Willey(C), Paul Walter, Jamie Overton, Haris Rauf, Josh Little, Shaheen Shah Afridi

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

Steve Eskinazi, Joe Clarke, Jos Buttler(C), Phil Salt, Laurie Evans, Jonny Bairstow(VC), David Willey, Paul Walter, Jamie Overton, Josh Little, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – David Willey, Jos Buttler

Vice-captain – Phil Salt, Jonny Bairstow

Wicketkeeper – Jos Buttler

WEF vs MNR Probable Winners:

The Men’s Hundred is an exciting tournament, and players on both sides are looking forward to it. It should be an exciting game on a good batting surface with overhead conditions that should favor the bowlers. Our prediction is that the Welsh Fire will win in a close match. Considering the team combination, Welsh Fire is expected to win this match.