In a tightly contested match at Sophia Gardens, the Oval Invincibles managed to defend a modest total of 113, securing a 10-run victory over Welsh Fire in The Hundred men's competition.
After being sent in to bat, the Invincibles found themselves struggling at 43-4, with key players Dawid Malan and Sam Billings dismissed for a duck and three runs, respectively. Will Jacks, another England international, added a quick 25 before being caught in the deep.
Sam Curran and Donovan Ferreira then steadied the innings with a 46-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However, Curran's dismissal, caught by Tom Kohler-Cadmore at long-on, triggered a collapse. The Invincibles lost 5 wickets for just 16 runs in 18 balls and only added five runs in David Payne's final set.
Chasing 114, Welsh Fire's innings got off to a shaky start as Jonny Bairstow and Joe Clarke were both bowled cheaply. Tom Kohler-Cadmore's 22 from 33 balls couldn't provide the needed momentum, as the team struggled against the Invincibles' spin duo of Adam Zampa (3-24) and Nathan Sowter (2-12), losing 5 wickets for 16 runs midway through the innings.
David Payne provided a glimmer of hope for Welsh Fire, scoring 28 off 15 balls in a 40-run stand with Mason Crane. However, with two sixes needed from the last two deliveries, Payne's attempt ended in the hands of Malan at cover, sealing a deserved win for the Invincibles.
Despite the loss, Welsh Fire's seamers put on an impressive display, taking eight wickets at economical rates. Jake Ball was the standout with figures of 3-24, supported by David Willey, Payne, and Josh Little. In contrast, only Tom Abell and Kohler-Cadmore reached double figures in the Fire's top seven, highlighting their batting struggles.