Welsh Fire’s dominant performance against Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl secured their place in The Hundred’s knockout stage. Barbadian all-rounder Hayley Matthews played a pivotal role, showcasing her exceptional skills with both bat and ball.
Matthews’ opening spell with the ball proved devastating for the Brave, as she claimed four wickets for just 14 runs. Her offbreaks proved too much for Danni Wyatt, Smriti Mandhana, Georgia Adams, and Maia Bouchier, leaving the Brave reeling at 15 for 4.
Jess Jonassen joined the wicket-taking party, dismissing Freya Kemp and Naomi Dattani, while Matthews returned to trap Kalea Moore in front. Chloe Tryon’s valiant 55 (38) provided some respite for the Brave, but the Fire’s bowlers kept the pressure on, restricting them to a modest total of 103.
In response, the Fire’s openers, Tammy Beaumont and Matthews, put on a batting masterclass. Beaumont’s 59* (40) was a display of power and finesse, while Matthews’ unbeaten 35 (31) showcased her ability to find the gaps. The pair shared a 72-run partnership, guiding the Fire to a comfortable nine-wicket victory with 26 balls to spare.
Matthews’ all-round brilliance has been a key factor in the Fire’s success this season. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made her an invaluable asset to the team.
“We’ve been really good,” Matthews said. “We’ve got a lot of experience, and we’ve played on that really well. The bowlers have done a great job, and it’s been a complete team performance.”
The Fire’s victory puts them in a strong position to finish top of the standings and qualify automatically for the Hundred Final at Lord’s. They will face Trent Rockets on Wednesday afternoon, with a convincing win potentially securing them the top spot.
