The Welsh Fire Men were defeated by the Southern Brave Men in the Hundred Men’s 2025 Match 21 at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Though Southern Brave lost early wickets, their batting firepower, led by Hilton Cartwright, gave them the victory. Welsh Fire's chase never materialized, and quick wickets derailed their momentum and only able to post 125/8. On top of that, Southern Brave’s disciplined bowling sealed a comfortable victory. In the end, Southern Brave scraped home by 4 runs. Here are the main reasons why the Welsh Fire Men lost the match.

1. Southern Brave’s Batting Brilliance – Cartwright’s Explosive Knock

Hilton Cartwright hit a sensational 51 from 19 balls, hitting boundaries and sixes that made Brave reach 129/8. James Vince also played a steady hand with 29 off 26 balls, while James Coles added a quick 14 off 10. Despite losing wickets regularly, Cartwright’s late fireworks ensured Southern Brave finished with a defendable score.

2. Welsh Fire’s Batting Collapse – Key Wickets at Crucial Times

Jonny Bairstow got them off to a rapid start with 22 from 10 balls; however, he fell early, which created a level of pressure for the rest of the batting lineup. The chase quickly faltered after losing momentum in the first couple of overs. With just 45/1 after 4 overs, Fire's innings never managed to find the stability and momentum to chase down the target.

See Also: Top 3 reasons why London Spirit Women lost to Northern Superchargers Women in the Hundred Women's 2025 match 22

3. Bowling Excellence – Brave’s Attack Seals the Win

Jofra Archer was superb as he ripped the innings apart with 3/20 in 20 balls, including key wickets at ideal moments. James Coles was very good with 2/10, as he got the necessary breakthroughs, while Craig Overton was calm with 2/31. Their combined efforts ensured Welsh Fire couldn’t cross the line despite being within touching distance.

Some of the best cricket is being played and after a win over South Africa has now progressed into the Top End T20 Series 2025 in Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. And what else could it be about except not only giving the academy squads and international A team some exposure, but also the opportunity to promote young cricketers at a big level. With every match, there is excitement as young talent goes head-on with experienced players grounded in T20 battles. As it is surely an action-packed, high-octane stage of massive occasions and supreme global attention within this game, the tournament is turning out to be a wonderful platform for the upcoming generation of cricket talent. And the best part? Fans all over can watch this facility on different apps and  broadcasters.

Match Details – The Hundred 2025 (21st Match)

• Match: Welsh Fire vs Southern Brave
• Date:  20 August 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
• Tournament: The Hundred 2025 (Men’s)

Players to watch out

Welsh Fire (WF):

• Jonny Bairstow (RH Batsman) : The aggressive opener who can provide a rollicking start.
• Steven Smith (RH Batsman) : Mr Consistent, can play sheet anchor’s role.
• Paul Walter (All-rounder) : A useful all-rounder with both bat and ball.
• Matt Henry (RH Fast Bowler) : Strike bowler who can hit batsmen with genuine pace.

Southern Brave (SOB):

• James Vince (c, RH Batsman) : Classy captain who sets the tone at the top of the order with the bat.
• Jason Roy (RH Batsman) : Explosive opener, lethal in the powerplay at all times.
• Michael Bracewell (All-rounder, Off-spin & LH Bat) : Another good all-rounder who adds balance.
• Jofra Archer (RH Fast Bowler) : The main strike bowler, both dangerous with the new and old ball. 

ALSO READ:The Hundred 2025: WEF vs SOB Dream11 Prediction 21st Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

WEF vs SOB Probable Playing XIs:

Welsh Fire Probable Playing XIs

Southern Brave Probable Playing XIs

James Vince (c), Leus du Plooy, Jason Roy, James Coles, Laurie Evans (wk), Hilton Cartwright, Michael Bracewell, Jordan Thompson, Craig Overton, Tymal Mills, Jofra Archer

WEF vs SOB Match Preview

The Hundred 2025 has begun the second half, with results changing the points table with each match. In the 21st game, the Welsh Fire face the Southern Brave in a must-win matchup. Welsh Fire suffered a crushing defeat to the Oval Invincibles in their most recent game and must now recover. Southern Brave also lost to the Invincibles and is looking to rebound. The Southern Brave have had a successful record against the Welsh Fire. They've only lost once to them in seven games. The Welsh Fire's confidence is feeling low after losing three in four games. 

WEF vs SOB Match Details 

Welsh Fire vs Southern Brave – 21st Match, The Hundred Men 2025

Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

Date & Time: 20th August 2025 at 07:30 PM IST

Live Streaming: FanCode

WEF vs SOB Venue Stats

WEF vs SOB Pitch Report

It's a good pitch for batting. With its long borders and high altitude, it is a paradise for batters. 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 SOB Weather Report

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

WEF vs SOB Last Five Matches

WEF vs SOB Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

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

Also Read: The Hundred 2025: LNS-W vs NOS-W Dream11 Prediction 22nd Match

WEF vs SOB Probable Playing XIs:

Welsh Fire Probable Playing XIs

Southern Brave Probable Playing XIs

James Vince (c), Leus du Plooy, Jason Roy, James Coles, Laurie Evans (wk), Hilton Cartwright, Michael Bracewell, Jordan Thompson, Craig Overton, Tymal Mills, Jofra Archer

Topmost Picks for WEF vs SOB Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Welsh Fire

• Jonny Bairstow –  Jonny Bairstow scored 50 runs off 28 balls, hitting 5 fours and no sixes, at a strike rate of 178.57.
• Matt Henry –  Matt Henry bowled 4 overs, conceding 39 runs and taking 2 wickets, at an economy rate of 9.75.

Top Picks – Southern Brave

• Hilton Cartwright – Hilton Cartwright scored 42 runs off 30 balls, hitting 4 fours and no sixes, at a strike rate of 140. 
• Craig Overton –  Craig Overton bowled 4 overs, conceding 21 runs and taking 2 wickets, at an economy rate of 5.25.

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

Jonny Bairstow, Steven Smith, Leus du Plooy, Jason Roy, Luke Wells, James Coles, Chris Green(C), Michael Bracewell(VC), Matt Henry, Tymal Mills, Jofra Archer

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

Captain – Chris Green, Hilton Cartwright

Vice-captain – Steve Smith, Michael Bracewell

WEF vs SOB Probable Winners:

Welsh Fire has had trouble this season with both bat and ball. They haven't defeated the Southern Brave until 2021 and must overcome the weight of history. To succeed, the team requires a strong performance from its upper and middle order. The Southern Brave have a strong pace attack and good hitters on their roster. Considering the team combination, Southern Brave is expected to win this match.

Welsh Fire will face Southern Brave in Match 21 of The Hundred Men's 2025 at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Wednesday, August 20. It is the first of two matches planned for the day—the second game will be London Spirit versus Northern Superchargers. Welsh Fire have had a poor campaign with only one win from four matches—that win coming against Manchester Originals. With only four points to their name and at the bottom of the table, the Fire must find a way to turn things around very quickly if they are to qualify for the playoffs.

Southern Brave On the other hand, they have been in a better position with two wins from their five matches. Nevertheless, their recent performance is worrying, as they have lost three games in a row following their two victories at the beginning of the tournament. James Vince’s side will be determined to turn things around and secure their third victory of the season in this crucial encounter.

WEF vs SOB: Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played – 8
  
• Welsh Fire wins – 1
  
• Southern Brave wins – 6
  
• Tied/No Result – 1
  

Southern Brave have dominated Welsh Fire, winning six out of the eight times they have met. Fire will be keen to better their record against them, whereas Brave will look to keep the fortress intact.

See Also: The Hundred 2025 Live streaming details: Where and how to watch Welsh Fire vs Southern Brave match 21

WEF vs SOB: Pitch Report

Sophia Gardens is a batter-friendly pitch. It has good bounce and carries the ball all the way through the innings. There are usually high scores, so usually advantageous to bowl first and chase under lights. Usually spinners won't get much turn and will be reliant on their variations to help contain batters.

WEF vs SOB: Predicted Playing XIs

Welsh Fire (WEF): Stephen Eskinazi, Steven Smith, Jonny Bairstow (C & WK), Luke Wells, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Paul Walter, Chris Green, Saif Zaib, David Payne, Matt Henry, Ajeet Singh Dale

Southern Brave (SOB): Leus du Plooy, James Vince (C), Jason Roy, Laurie Evans (WK), James Coles, Michael Bracewell, Hilton Cartwright, Jordan Thompson, Craig Overton, Jofra Archer, Tymal Mills

Welsh Fire (WEF) will face Southern Brave (SOB) in Match 21 of The Hundred Men's 2025 at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Wednesday, August 20. Welsh Fire have had a poor season so far with just one win from four games, leaving them bottom of the table. Southern Brave have two wins from five games but are under pressure with three defeats in a row. Both teams will be looking to regain some momentum and hope to keep alive playoff hopes.

WEF vs SOB: Match Details

• Match: Welsh Fire vs Southern Brave
• Date: August 20 2025
• Time: 07:30 PM IST
• Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
• Tournament: The Hundred 2025 – Match 21

WEF vs SOB: Live Streaming Details

See Also: The Hundred 2025 Match 21: WEF vs SOB head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

WEF vs SOB: Predicted Playing XIs

Welsh Fire (WEF): Stephen Eskinazi, Steven Smith, Jonny Bairstow (C & WK), Luke Wells, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Paul Walter, Chris Green, Saif Zaib, David Payne, Matt Henry, Ajeet Singh Dale

Southern Brave (SOB): Leus du Plooy, James Vince (C), Jason Roy, Laurie Evans (WK), James Coles, Michael Bracewell, Hilton Cartwright, Jordan Thompson, Craig Overton, Jofra Archer, Tymal Mills