Chris Green Stars as Welsh Fire Claim First Win in The Hundred

Chris Green delivered a stellar all-round performance as Welsh Fire secured their first win of the 2025 Men’s Hundred season, defeating Manchester Originals by 25 runs in front of an electric crowd at Sophia Gardens.

Green, named Meerkat Match Hero, contributed with bat, ball, and in the field — scoring a rapid 19 off just nine balls, taking 3 for 19 with the ball, and grabbing two sharp catches — as the Fire defended a modest total of 137 for 8.

The real damage, however, was done early in the Originals’ innings by Australian quick Riley Meredith, who tore through the top order with a fiery spell of 4 for 9. His efforts, along with Green and David Payne (3 for 14), ensured the Originals were bowled out for just 112, despite a fighting 57 from captain Jos Buttler.

Earlier, Welsh Fire struggled to build momentum after being put in to bat. Steve Smith (26) and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (26) gave a solid start, but regular breakthroughs from Josh Tongue (3 for 25) and Scott Currie (3 for 21) kept the Fire in check. A late cameo from Green, including two sixes, pushed the total to a competitive 137.

Manchester Originals’ chase faltered early. Meredith's scorching opening burst removed Phil Salt (3), Joe McKinney (10), and Mark Chapman (0) in quick succession. Green chipped in by dismissing Heinrich Klaasen (11) and then claimed the key wicket of Buttler, who had briefly revived hopes with a 28-ball fifty.

Once Buttler fell, skying a catch to Tom Abell at deep midwicket, the Originals' lower order crumbled under pressure.

Speaking after the match, Green praised the Cardiff crowd and credited the bowlers for executing their plans perfectly.

“It was a lot of fun. The last two games here have had an amazing atmosphere. Riley [Meredith] was outstanding up front – he probably should be standing here with this award. We knew 130 was defendable with the right energy and execution,” Green said.

The victory lifts Welsh Fire off the bottom of the table, while Manchester Originals now find themselves at the foot of the standings. Fire will look to build on this momentum as they head to London for a crucial match on Saturday.