The Hundred 2025Cricket Match ReportsDomestic CricketDomestic MatchesInternational LeagueInternational MatchesRiley MeredithT20T20 Cricket NewsT20I SeriesThe HundredWelsh Fire
Riley Meredith’s Four-Wicket Haul Powers Welsh Fire to First Win of the Season
Clinical Bowling Display Ends Manchester Originals’ Resistance
Welsh Fire finally opened their account in The Hundred 2025 with a commanding 25-run victory over Manchester Originals, thanks to a devastating bowling performance led by Riley Meredith, who claimed 4 wickets for just 9 runs. He was ably supported by Chris Green and David Payne, as the trio combined to dismantle the opposition for just 112 runs in 97 balls.
Unlike the nail-biting, last-ball thriller earlier in the week, this contest was a more one-sided affair, with Welsh Fire holding control for most of the match — especially after the dismissal of Jos Buttler, whose fighting half-century had kept Originals in the hunt.
Early Strikes Put Manchester Originals on the Back Foot
Meredith and Green Combine for Crucial Breakthroughs
Manchester Originals’ chase got off to a disastrous start. Riley Meredith struck twice in the space of three deliveries, removing both openers early. His first breakthrough came thanks to a stunning catch from Chris Green to dismiss Phil Salt. Meredith then followed it up by sending Mark Chapman back to the pavilion, caught in the slips, leaving Originals reeling at 14/3.
Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen attempted to rebuild, with the England skipper counterattacking with crisp boundaries. However, Klaasen fell before he could make an impact, shifting the pressure squarely back on Buttler.
Buttler Fights, But Originals Falter
With the game evenly poised, Buttler showcased his trademark power-hitting, clearing the ropes twice and bringing up his fifty. Partner Lewis Gregory also found the boundary, and at one stage, the equation was a manageable 35 needed from 20 balls.
However, Buttler’s dismissal — caught at deep midwicket — proved to be the turning point. Green immediately followed up by removing Gregory, and Payne cleaned up the lower order with three wickets in six balls. Meredith returned to wrap up the innings, sealing his four-wicket haul and the win.
Welsh Fire’s Batting: Steady Start, Late Surge
Steve Smith Holds the Innings, Green Adds Late Flourish
Earlier, Welsh Fire’s innings began with a setback as Jonny Bairstow was dismissed cheaply. Steve Smith anchored the innings but was eventually undone by a slower delivery from Josh Tongue. Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Tom Abell provided brief momentum, but neither converted starts into big scores.
With the innings stalling, Saif Zaib briefly sparked life with back-to-back boundaries before falling. Chris Green then played a vital cameo at the death, smashing two sixes and a four to push the total beyond 130. Despite Scott Currie’s impressive figures of 3/21, Welsh Fire’s final score of 137/8 proved enough on a night where their bowlers dominated.
Brief Scores
Welsh Fire: 137/8 in 100 balls (Tom Kohler-Cadmore 26; Scott Currie 3/21, Josh Tongue 3/25)
Manchester Originals: 112 in 97 balls (Jos Buttler 57; Riley Meredith 4/9, David Payne 3/14)
Result: Welsh Fire won by 25 runs
Related Reading:
