Roy, Overton Shine as Southern Brave Clinch Fourth Spot in Thrilling Finish

Southern Brave secured a dramatic four-run victory over Welsh Fire in the final group stage match of the 2025 Men’s Hundred, sealing fourth place on the points table and booking their spot in the Eliminator. Meanwhile, Welsh Fire, despite a valiant fight, were left at the bottom of the standings once again.

In a match played largely for pride—after the top three positions had already been decided—Jason Roy rolled back the years with a commanding 70 off 39 balls, while Craig Overton starred with both bat and ball to help Brave edge past Fire in a nail-biting contest at the Utilita Bowl.

Welsh Fire opted to field first and struck early, reducing Brave to 10 for 2 inside the first 14 balls. But Roy’s explosive counterattack quickly shifted momentum. He struck successive sixes twice and brought up his half-century off 30 balls. Despite falling to David Payne (2 for 17), Roy’s innings laid the foundation for a strong total.

Leus du Plooy added a steady 30 off 21 balls, but it was the late flourish from Overton and Jordan Thompson that proved vital. Their late-order hitting lifted Southern Brave to 167 for 7—an imposing total given the early stumbles.

In response, Overton made an immediate impact with the ball, removing both openers—including the prized scalp of Steve Smith—in the first five deliveries. Welsh Fire were reeling at 24 for 3 after the Powerplay, and the chase looked out of reach.

However, Tom Kohler-Cadmore (84 off 46) and young prospect Ben Kellaway mounted a sensational counterattack, adding 81 runs off just 39 balls to bring Fire roaring back into contention. Both batters matched the earlier fireworks, with Kohler-Cadmore emulating Roy’s clean-hitting display.

With 36 runs required from the final 20 balls, seamers Thompson and Tymal Mills were tasked with closing out the game. Despite a late surge, including a no-ball and a six that tipped the balance in Fire’s favour, Thompson kept his nerve. He bowled Kohler-Cadmore with two balls remaining, leaving Fire needing six off the last delivery. A perfect yorker sealed the win for Brave.

Overton, named the Meerkat Match Hero, reflected on the hard-fought win:

“It was great to get across the line; we haven't quite put in the performances this year so it's good to finish with a win. It was about doing the basics; it swung a bit and the way the boys finished off was great.”

“The boys have been awesome; the group has been similar for the last three or four years and it's nice to get back together. We didn't quite perform how we would have wanted but that's the way it goes sometimes.”

Welsh Fire, despite Kohler-Cadmore’s heroics, ended the season with the wooden spoon for the second consecutive year, matching the fate of their women's team.

Match Summary:

• Southern Brave: 167/7 (Roy 70, du Plooy 30, Payne 2-17)

• Welsh Fire: 163/6 (Kohler-Cadmore 84, Overton 3-22)

• Result: Southern Brave won by 4 runs

• Meerkat Match Hero: Craig Overton

Southern Brave now advance to the Eliminator, hoping to carry forward the momentum from this thrilling finish into the knockout stages.