Phil Salt produced the late heroics as Welsh Fire ended an eight-match losing run against Southern Brave, guiding his side to a six-wicket win in The Hundred.
Chasing 135, Fire were under pressure late: needing 14 from 10 balls. Salt, the captain, and team-mate Asa Tribe steadied the chase before Salt, unbeaten on 47 from 37 balls, cleared the ropes off Chris Jordan with four to win from three deliveries to seal victory.
England quick Jofra Archer had tested Fire’s batters with some incisive bowling, but Fire’s fielding and measured chase ultimately won out. Salt praised the conditions, the toss and his side’s energy in the field, adding that the bowlers kept the ball in the right areas and that longer-term improvements were for the coaches to judge.
Southern Brave began slowly. Sam Cook removed Jamie Smith for three, and Marco Jansen accounted for Ben McKinney shortly after. Thomas Rew (41) and David Miller (44) rebuilt the innings, putting Brave in a competitive position before Jansen struck again to remove Rew.
A bizarre run-out then unsettled Brave further: Archer tried to take a single after hitting to cover but confusion between the batsmen left him stranded as Fire capitalised on the mix-up.
After the break Salt and Matthew Short came together; Short reached 20 before Dan Worrall took a catch at extra cover. Worrall was also involved in the dismissal of Joe Root, who departed for 15 in a run-out resulting from sharp Fire fielding and communication.
Rachin Ravindra joined Salt in a crucial middle-order stand, the pair adding 49 off 27 balls to swing momentum back toward Fire. Ravindra highlighted the importance of communication and support during the partnership, praising Salt’s composure and leadership as he finished the chase.
Key performances: Phil Salt 47* (37) anchored the run chase; David Miller 44 and Thomas Rew 41 top-scored for Brave; Marco Jansen provided important breakthroughs with two wickets.
What’s next: The Hundred continues with a Lord’s double-header as London Spirit face Manchester Originals (women’s game first, followed by the men’s fixture). Both matches will be shown live on broadcast platforms and online.