Welsh Fire secure opening victory in 2026 The Hundred campaign
The Welsh franchise, aiming to reverse last season’s poor performance, defeated Southern Brave by six wickets in Southampton to begin the new competition.
Welsh Fire have begun their 2026 The Hundred campaign with a six-wicket victory over Southern Brave in Southampton, marking a positive start for the franchise under new leadership. Chasing a target of 136, Welsh Fire reached 138-4 in 98 balls, securing the win with a decisive finish led by captain Phil Salt.
Salt, who signed as captain ahead of the 2026 competition, remained unbeaten on 47 off 37 balls. The former world number one-ranked T20 batter, who is also the all-time leading scorer in The Hundred history with 1,138 runs from five seasons with Manchester Originals, anchored the chase after early contributions from fellow opener Matt Short, who scored 20.
Southern Brave had posted 135-7 in their 100 balls, a total built on a resilient innings from David Miller, who top-scored with 44 off 35 balls. The hosts lost openers Jamie Smith and Ben McKinney for single figures, but 18-year-old Thomas Rew helped rebuild the innings with a 41 off 30 balls before Miller’s late surge.
Welsh Fire’s bowling attack, led by Marco Jansen who took 2-17, restricted the scoring for much of the innings. Southern Brave’s Jansen Chaudhary responded with figures of 2-19. The match concluded when Asa Tribe hit a four off Brave captain Chris Jordan’s first ball, followed by Salt hitting a six two balls later to seal the victory.
The result represents a significant shift for Welsh Fire, who finished at the bottom of both the men’s and women’s tables in the previous season. Salt has stated his aim to guide the Welsh franchise to their first-ever title. London Spirit are scheduled to play Manchester Super Giants at Lord’s on Thursday, with women’s cricket starting at 14:45 BST and men’s at 18:30 BST.
