A crucial battle awaits in The Hundred Women’s Competition as Welsh Fire lock horns with the Trent Rockets in match no. 27, at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. After finishing as runners up last season, Welsh Fire have endured a tough run this year, slipping down to seventh place and still struggling to find their rhythm. The Rockets, meanwhile, sit in fifth position and are eyeing an upward push to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Squads:
Welsh Fire Women’s Cricket Team
Tammy Beaumont (C), Sophia Dunkley, Hayley Matthews, Jess Jonassen, Sarah Bryce, Shabnim Ismail, Freya Davies, Georgia Elwiss, Katie George, Georgia Davis, Katie Levick, Emily Windsor, Beth Langston, Charley Phillips, Alex Griffiths
Trent Rockets Women’s Cricket Team
Ash Gardner (C), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alana King, Heather Graham, Jodi Grewcock, Bryony Smith, Kirstie Gordon, Grace Scrivens, Emma Jones, Alexa Stonehouse, Ellie Threlkeld, Natasha Wraith, Cassidy McCarthy, Grace Thompson, Sophie Morris
Players to watch out:
Sophia Dunkley
A key figure at the top of the order, Sophia Dunkley has been pivotal in anchoring Welsh Fire’s innings. In the clash against Birmingham Phoenix, she showcased her composure and timing with a well-crafted 53 off 43 balls, laying the perfect platform for her side’s run-scoring momentum. Since 2023, Dunkley has grown into one of the most dependable performers, amassing an impressive 593 runs, highlighted by her tournament-best unbeaten 69* runs. Her ability to blend aggression with responsibility makes her a crucial asset, especially in high-pressure situations.
Hayley Matthews
A true all-round match-winner, Hayley Matthews continues to deliver with both bat and ball for Welsh Fire. Against Phoenix, she added valuable runs in the middle order with a steady 34* off 33 balls, ensuring her side had the depth needed to push the scoreboard forward. Since the tournament’s inception, Matthews has been a standout performer, accumulating 761 runs, with a personal best of 78*, while also proving her worth with the ball, having already picked up 36 wickets, including a stunning best spell of 4/14. Her versatility and experience make her one of the most influential players in the competition.
Kirstie Gordon
For the Trent Rockets, Kirstie Gordon has been a reliable wicket-taking option, consistently providing breakthroughs when needed. In her recent outing against the Oval Invincibles, Gordon impressed once again, returning tidy figures of 2/21, showcasing her accuracy and ability to trouble batters. Since joining the Rockets in 2023, she has picked up 20 wickets, with a tournament-best of 4/15. Her knack for striking at crucial moments and controlling the middle overs makes her a vital component of Trent’s bowling attack.
Grace Scrivens
Promising, Grace Scrivens has quickly made her presence felt at the top of the order for the Trent Rockets. In the successful chase against Oval Invincibles, she played a composed and confident innings of 34 off 27 deliveries, setting the tone for her team’s victory. Having joined Rockets in 2024, Scrivens has already tallied 194 runs, with her highest score being a fluent 55. With her ability to play freely in the powerplay and adapt to match situations, Scrivens is emerging as a rising star and an important player for the Rockets’ future campaigns.
Pitch:
The surface at Sophia Gardens is known for producing a fair contest between bat and ball. While stroke-makers who spend time at the crease are often rewarded with fluent run-scoring opportunities, the bowlers aren’t left out either, those who maintain discipline with their lengths can find movement off the pitch and apply pressure.
Weather:
The weather in Cardiff looks promising for cricket, with temperatures hovering around 24°C, a comfortable 55% humidity, and only a 10% chance of rain. With clear skies expected for most of the day, expect an uninterrupted contest and ideal playing conditions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sophia Dunkley, Hayley Matthews, Jess Jonassen, Shabnim Ismail, Tammy Beaumont, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Ash Gardner, Alana King, Grace Scrivens, Kirstie Gordon, Bryony Smith
Match Details:
Date – August 24, 2025
Time – 3:30 PM IST
Venue – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on FanCode and telecasted on Sony Sports Network.
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