We're done with this match. Wednesday will bring your way the clash between Manchester Originals and Northern Superchargers at 6.30 pm local (5.30 pm GMT). Do join us for all the action. Until then, it's goodbye and cheers.
Jonny Bairstow is chosen for the Hero of the Match award. The skipper starts by praising Neesham and he feels that changed the game in his team's favour. Adds that it is tough at the top with the bat. Tells us they took a few risks against the spinners and it paid off. Mentions that when it rains the ball can skid onto the bat and shares that taking pace off helped his bowlers. States that he loves to play in Cardiff. Signs off by saying that whoever takes over the captaincy will do a fantastic job as they have a good squad.
Earlier in the evening, Welsh Fire posted a big total on the board courtesy of fine knocks from Tom Banton, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Duckett. There was some exceptional hitting from the trio and despite not having a flying finish, the Fire managed to put a total in excess of 160 on the board. Eventually, that ended up being enough.
This match swung like a pendulum! There were plenty of moments when Welsh Fire appeared under pressure but every time they found a way out. Southern Brave got off to a flying start in the Powerplay and it was all about maintaining the tempo for them. But they lost the plot in the middle phase as it was a steady procession of wickets for the Brave after the fall of the third wicket. Alex Davies and Ross Whiteley did try to put up a fight and brought down the equation a bit as well but some smart bowling changes and the execution of plans by Welsh the bowlers saw them break this partnership. We also witnessed a masterclass of death bowling in the last 15 balls and Welsh Fire will be thrilled with this victory. Of course, there are areas like bowling in the Powerplay and ground fielding that they will have to address in the coming games.
End of a highly entertaining match! It was the Jonny Bairstow show, with the bat and with his captaincy! He is signing off in style, with two wins and Welsh Fire are in the top two in the points table.
Over 20
0
1lb
1
0
1
Danny Briggs*
3 (7)
Craig Overton
4 (5)
David Payne
2/30 (4)
SOB
147/7
1
100
David Payne to Danny Briggs ,That's it! Finally, this topsy-turvy match has gone the way of Welsh Fire! Full and straight, driven down to mid off for a single. Welsh Fire WIN BY 18 RUNS!
0
99
David Payne to Danny Briggs ,Pitched up outside off, pushed wide and with some pace, Briggs tries to swing it over covers but misses.
1
98
David Payne to Craig Overton ,Payne hits the blockhole at 85 mph! Overton digs this one out to long on for a single.
1lb
97
David Payne to Danny Briggs ,Leg Bye! Length ball on the legs, Briggs looks to flick but gets it off his pads to mid-wicket for a leg bye.
0
96
David Payne to Danny Briggs ,Full and wide, swing and a miss from Briggs.
David Payne is back on. 22 needed off the last 5 balls.
Over 19
wd
1
1
1lb
1
1
Craig Overton*
3 (4)
Danny Briggs
2 (3)
Jake Ball
1/21 (4)
SOB
144/7
1
95
Jake Ball to Craig Overton ,Ball ends nicely with a fuller one on the legs, tucked to deep square leg for one. Top stuff!
1
94
Jake Ball to Danny Briggs ,Once again in the blockhole, Briggs gets it to mid off for a single.
1lb
93
Jake Ball to Craig Overton ,Leg Bye! Toe-crusher from Jake Ball! Overton comes forward and Ball fires one in at the toes, the ball pops up to backward point after hitting the foot. A leg bye taken.
1
92
Jake Ball to Danny Briggs ,Excellent bowling, very full in the blockhole, Briggs can only manage to hit it to mid off for a run.
1
91
Jake Ball to Craig Overton ,Full and straight, Overton works it to long on for a single.
wd
91
Jake Ball to Craig Overton ,WIDE! Ball going for the wide yorker, goes outside the tramline. Wided.
Jake Ball to bowl his final set of 5 balls.