Phil Salt stood firm against a barrage of fast bowling from England’s own Jofra Archer as the Welsh Fire captain guided his side to a dramatic six‑wicket win over the Southern Brave in The Hundred competition. The victory not only halted Fire’s eight‑match run of defeats to the Brave but also showcased Salt’s calm under pressure as he steered the chase in the final overs. Chasing a target of 135, Fire found themselves in a tight spot with just ten balls remaining and 14 runs needed.
Salt, batting alongside Asa Tribe, displayed the composure and tactical acumen required in a high‑stakes finish. After a measured approach that saw the pair chip away at the required runs, Salt was left on strike with three balls left and only four runs required to clinch the match. He answered the moment with a powerful sweep that sent Chris Jordan soaring over the boundary for a six, sealing the win for his team. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Salt reflected on the conditions and the team’s performance: “The conditions weren’t easy.
It was a good toss for us to win and chasing the target, we knew what it was. We were electric in the field. There was some real good catching on display. We got off the rope well today.
Bowling‑wise, we put the ball in the right areas. Did we do it for long enough? Were we smart enough?
That’s one for the coaches.” His comments highlighted both the challenges posed by the pitch and the collective effort required to overcome them. The innings began slowly for the Brave.
Sam Cook opened the scoring with a quick three runs off Jamie Smith, but the momentum shifted when Marco Jansen dismissed Ben McKinney for four. The early wickets kept the Brave’s total modest, allowing Fire to stay within reach throughout the chase.
Middle‑order contributions from Thomas Rew (41) and David Miller (44) steadied the Brave’s innings, but Jansen struck again, removing Rew after a 30‑ball cameo. Archer’s dismissal was particularly unusual: after playing a shot to Jansen at cover, he attempted a single, only for his batting partner to turn back and inadvertently cause a run‑out, a miscommunication that cost the Brave dearly. When Salt and Matthew Short came to the crease after the interval, the game entered its decisive phase. Short added a quick 20 before being caught at extra cover by Dan Worrall.
Worrall then partnered with Smith to dismiss England legend Joe Root for 15, further tightening the chase. Rachin Ravindra’s arrival at the crease marked a turning point.
He and Salt forged a rapid 49‑run partnership off just 27 balls, shifting the momentum firmly in Fire’s favour. Ravindra praised the collaboration, saying, “It’s great to play a role in a partnership.
Communication was key out there between us. Salty played well out there. It wasn’t such a free‑flowing T20 wicket as we’re used to seeing. He supported me greatly during that partnership, and it’s great to see the skipper finish it off at the end.” He added that Salt’s maturity and leadership helped keep the team focused ball after ball.
The final overs were a showcase of Salt’s finishing ability. After reaching 47 not out off 37 deliveries, he found himself needing just four runs from three balls.
Opting for an aggressive sweep, he dispatched Jordan for a six, sealing a six‑wicket victory and ending Fire’s losing streak against the Brave. Beyond the immediate drama, the match highlighted several broader themes in The Hundred.
The tournament’s fast‑paced format demands quick decision‑making, adaptability to varying pitch conditions, and a high level of fielding intensity. Fire’s fielding performance, described by Salt as “electric,” demonstrated the importance of taking catches and saving runs in a competition where every boundary can be decisive. The win also underscored the value of experienced players like Salt and the emerging talent of Ravindra.
Their partnership combined the calm of a seasoned international with the flair of a young, hungry batsman, illustrating how mentorship on the field can translate into tangible results. Looking ahead, the next double‑header in the Hundred will be played at Lord’s, where London Spirit will face Manchester Super Giants.
The women’s fixture is slated for a 2:45 pm start, followed by the men’s match at 6:30 pm. Both games will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and streamed on YouTube, with additional coverage available on the NOW platform. In summary, Phil Salt’s unbeaten 47, his decisive six, and his leadership throughout the chase were pivotal in ending Welsh Fire’s eight‑game losing run against Southern Brave.
The match provided a vivid illustration of how composure, strategic field placement, and effective partnerships can turn a close chase into a memorable victory in The Hundred’s unique format.