Welsh Fire vs London Spirit Prediction & Match Preview – The Hundred Men’s 2026

Welsh Fire go into this game after a heavy 71-run defeat to Sunrisers Leeds, who made 201 batting first. Fire were bowled out for just 130 in reply. Matthew Short made 43 from 29 balls and Joe Root added 31, but the chase faded after their dismissals. Chris Woakes took two wickets, with Jordan Clark and Lockie Ferguson taking one each, but the attack could not make early inroads.

London Spirit are in better spirits after a seven-wicket win over Birmingham Phoenix, whose 162 was chased in just 82 balls. Both openers fell early, but Liam Livingstone smashed 66 from 30 balls and Dewald Brevis hit 55, swinging the game decisively. James Coles took 1/25 and Adam Milne, Henry Crocombe and Mason Crane one wicket each.

Welsh Fire’s likely XI features Phil Salt, Matt Short, Joe Root, Rachin Ravindra and Jordan Cox. Spirit are expected to name Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Jonny Bairstow, Livingstone and Brevis at the top. Fire need to improve with the ball and in the middle order, while Spirit will want to carry their momentum to Cardiff. We lean to Spirit.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Sophia Gardens generally gives an even contest. Seamers can find early swing and movement in Cardiff’s often cloudy conditions, rewarding disciplined lines and lengths. Once batters settle, true bounce and a quick outfield allow fluent strokeplay, and the pitch can slow later, bringing spinners and bowlers with cutters or slower balls into play.

Weather

Wednesday 12 August is forecast to be hot and mostly sunny, around 33–34°C at the 3:00 pm local start. Rain is very unlikely, and a light to moderate breeze may help. The heat could be physically demanding, and dew is not expected in the afternoon.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 160–175
• 2nd innings: 155–170

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