Welsh Fire vs London Spirit Prediction & Match Preview – The Hundred Men’s 2026
Match summary
Welsh Fire host London Spirit at Sophia Gardens on 12 August 2026. Our preview covers recent form, likely XIs, pitch, weather and a verdict.
Match details
| Match | Welsh Fire vs London Spirit |
|---|---|
| Series | The Hundred Men’s 2026 |
| Date | 12 Aug 2026 |
| Start time | 2:00 pm GMT / 3:00 pm local |
| Venue | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | London Spirit |
| Toss pick | Welsh Fire |
Matches in this series
Match preview
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.
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.
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
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 160–175 | – |
| Second innings | 155–170 | – |
London Spirit
Spirit’s middle order is in form after a seven-wicket win, while Welsh Fire are looking to recover from a heavy defeat.
Toss pick: Welsh Fire
FAQ
Who is predicted to win Welsh Fire vs London Spirit?
Our preview picks London Spirit, who come off a convincing seven-wicket win while Welsh Fire lost by 71 runs.
How did London Spirit win their last match?
They chased 162 against Birmingham Phoenix in 82 balls, with Liam Livingstone making 66 from 30 and Dewald Brevis 55.
Will it be hot in Cardiff?
Yes, the forecast is for 33–34°C with very little chance of rain.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Welsh Fire
- Phil Saltc, wk
- Matt Short
- Joe Root
- Rachin Ravindra
- Jordan Cox
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore
- Marco Jansen
- Jordan Clark
- Chris Woakes
- Lockie Ferguson
- Sam Cook
London Spirit
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius
- Jonny Bairstowwk
- Liam Livingstonec
- James Coles
- Dewald Brevis
- Joe Moores
- David Willey
- Jamie Overton
- Mason Crane
- Adam Milne
- Henry Crocombe