As the final over began, the Utilita Bowl was buzzing with tension. Phil Salt, Welsh Fire's new captain, stood at the non-strikers' end, waiting. With nine runs needed from five balls, Asa Tribe struck the first delivery for four. The crowd erupted. Then, Salt stepped up and launched the next one over the ropes for six. The Welsh Fire had won by six wickets.
This was Salt's first game in his new role, and it was vintage Phil Salt — calm under pressure, decisive when it mattered. The 30-year-old all-rounder, already the competition's all-time top scorer with 1,138 runs in five seasons, has set his sights on his first title with Fire.
Brave's batting effort fell just short
Southern Brave had posted 135-7 after choosing to bat first. Captain Chris Jordan had some early success, but it was 18-year-old Thomas Rew who injected energy into the innings with 41 from just 30 balls.
Welsh Fire's bowlers, led by Marco Jansen with figures of 2-17, kept Brave's score in check for much of the innings. David Miller tried to accelerate late, finishing with a punchy 44 from 35 balls, but his efforts weren't enough for the hosts.
Fire aim to reverse their fortunes
Welsh Fire struggled in the 2025 season, finishing last in both the men's and women's Hundred. Salt, who signed as captain ahead of this year's tournament, has a clear mission: to end that drought and bring home the first-ever title for the Welsh franchise.
The victory over Brave was a strong start, but the path ahead remains long. Their next challenge comes as London Spirit face Manchester Super Giants at Lord's, with the men's match kicking off at 18:30 BST. Welsh Fire now set their sights on more than just momentum.