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.
