Short trumps Stoinis as Fire keep pace with Rockets
Australian opener returns from injury to finish 60 not out on "spicy" pitch
Australian opener returns from injury to finish 60 not out on "spicy" pitch
Scorer: Ranjith P
Right, that's your lot for tonight. We'll be back with more Hundred action from Headingley tomorrow. See you then.
9.22pm: Matt Short is the man of the match. "It's tough early here in Cardiff. Pretty spicy, some quick bowlers that get some nice bounce. A bit of a grind. Nice to bat second and get a bit of dew and skid off the wicket. [Halfway?] Red-ball, Test length. It was nipping around early. Salty and I were aware of that. Similar to most innings here: grind early, play good shots, hopefully the shine wears off and it gets a bit easier. [Bowlers?] Just class. They hit a length and let the wicket do the talking, gave us a nice total to defend. Thanks to all the fans, that was awesome."
This was a tough surface for batting but Matt Short rose above it, anchoring the run chase with 60 not out off 41 balls. He got off to a fast start, then got a bit stuck through the middle. But he kept his composure, and was them home with TKC for company.
9.19pm: Welsh Fire are becoming the success story of this year's Hundred. Their men have never previously made it to the play-offs but they have built a squad that suits these conditions nicely, and keep the pace with Trent Rockets at the top with this victory. The Brave, meanwhile, are in major trouble after a fourth defeat in six. It'll be a struggle to qualify from here.
Craig: "Now 4 defeats in 6 for the Brave in a tough 2026 Hundred... A full rebuild of the squad surely on cards for 2027"
Kiran: "Short's had a remarkable few months as of late - Incredible numbers with the bat in the late stages of the MLC to perfirmances here in England!"
Southern Brave have missed the cut-off time, so have to bring a man in.
2 needed. Some red flags waving in the crowd.
9 off 10 is the equation. Short on strike. Stoinis has the ball. These two Aussies have been the standout players tonight.
Australian opener returns from injury to finish 60 not out on "spicy" pitch