(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Riley Meredith Shines as Welsh Fire Defeat Manchester Originals by 25 Runs
Australian fast bowler Riley Meredith produced a stunning spell, taking 4 wickets for just 9 runs, as Welsh Fire registered a 25-run victory over Manchester Originals in Cardiff.
Meredith’s pace and precision dismantled the Originals’ batting order, with strong support from Chris Green (3/19) and David Payne (3/14). The trio’s combined efforts, along with sharp fielding, secured a much-needed win for the Fire in The Hundred 2025.
First Innings – Fire Set Competitive Target
Batting first, Welsh Fire lost Jonny Bairstow early, but Steve Smith added quick runs with a stylish 26, including a six over point off Josh Tongue. Luke Wells (13) and Tom Abell (22) contributed, but regular wickets kept the scoring in check.
Chris Green’s late cameo of 19 runs from nine balls, featuring two sixes, lifted the total to 137/8 from 100 balls. For Manchester Originals, Scott Currie (3/21) and Josh Tongue (3/25) were the standout bowlers.
Second Innings – Meredith and Green Turn the Game
Manchester’s chase faltered early when Meredith removed Phil Salt (3), McKinney (10), and Mark Chapman (0) in a devastating burst. Salt’s dismissal came via a spectacular catch at deep backward square by Green.
Captain Jos Buttler led the fightback, scoring 57 from 28 balls with powerful boundaries, but Green’s crucial breakthroughs – dismissing Buttler and Lewis Gregory (21) – swung the momentum back to the Fire.
Payne and Meredith then finished the job, bowling out the Originals for 112 in 97 balls.
Post-Match Reaction
Speaking after the win, Chris Green praised Meredith’s performance:
“Riley was outstanding up front – he broke the game open. The crowd in Cardiff has been fantastic, and it was great to reward that support with a win tonight.”
Match Summary:
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Welsh Fire: 137/8 (100 balls)
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Manchester Originals: 112 all out (97 balls)
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Result: Welsh Fire won by 25 runs
With this victory, Welsh Fire head into their next match in London full of confidence.
