SOB vs WEF 32nd Match Preview: Southern Brave vs Welsh Fire Pitch Report, Stats & Prediction

SOB vs WEF 32nd Match Preview: Southern Brave vs Welsh Fire, The Hundred Mens 2025. Southern Brave will face Welsh Fire in the The Hundred Men’s 2025 clash at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, on Thursday, August 28.

Both teams have already been knocked out of playoff contention, but pride will be at stake as they aim to finish their campaign on a positive note. Historically, Southern Brave have dominated this fixture, winning 4 of the last 5 meetings against Welsh Fire.

Here’s a detailed preview of the SOB vs WEF 32nd Match 2025, including the date, venue, team news, pitch report, key players, weather, and a winning prediction.

Match Details – SOB vs WEF, 32nd Match, 2025

SOB vs WEF 32nd Match Preview and Team Analysis

Southern Brave

Southern Brave’s 2025 campaign ended with a heavy 47-run loss to London Spirit, leaving them with only 3 wins from 7 matches. Their inconsistency with both bat and ball has been their biggest concern this season.

Leus du Plooy has been the standout with 150 runs, while Jason Roy and Laurie Evans have chipped in with useful cameos. But failures from James Coles and Hilton Cartwright have hurt their middle-order stability.

Bowling-wise, Jofra Archer and Craig Overton lead with 8 wickets each, but their economy rates have been an issue. The Brave need their pacers to strike early if they are to extend their winning record over Welsh Fire.

Key Players: Jason Roy, Leus du Plooy, Jofra Archer

Predicted XI (SOB):

James Vince (c), Leus du Plooy, Jason Roy, James Coles, Laurie Evans (wk), Michael Bracewell, Hilton Cartwright, Jordan Thompson, Craig Overton, Jofra Archer, Reece Topley

Welsh Fire

Welsh Fire’s campaign has been equally disappointing, with just 2 wins in 7 games. Jonny Bairstow has been their biggest positive, smashing 243 runs at a strike rate of 164, but support from others has been patchy.

Steve Smith (133 runs) hasn’t lived up to expectations, while Tom Abell and Stephen Eskinazi have shown glimpses of form. Their lower order has struggled, leading to frequent batting collapses.

On the bowling side, they’ve been more impressive. Chris Green leads with 11 wickets, while Matt Henry, David Payne, and Riley Meredith have been consistent wicket-takers. Their seam attack could test the Brave on a tacky Southampton surface.

Key Players: Jonny Bairstow, Chris Green, Matt Henry

Predicted XI (WEF):

Stephen Eskinazi, Steven Smith, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Tom Abell (c), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Ben Kellaway, Saif Zaib, Chris Green, David Payne, Matt Henry/Josh Hull, Riley Meredith

SOB vs WEF: Pitch and Weather Report

Pitch Report – The Rose Bowl, Southampton

• Surface: Balanced with early seam movement, flattens out for batters.
• Batting Conditions: Moderate scoring, average 1st innings score ~141.
• Pacers: Swing available early, especially under lights.
• Spinners: Minimal turn, dew could impact grip later.
• Toss Prediction: Bowl first – all 3 matches here this season were won by chasing sides.

Weather Forecast – August 28, Southampton

Cloudy conditions with afternoon showers, but play is likely to go ahead. Dew in the evening will aid chasing sides.

SOB vs WEF Match Prediction: Southern Brave Favoured to Win

Both sides are out of contention, but head-to-head advantage lies with Southern Brave, who have beaten Welsh Fire in their last six meetings. With slightly better balance in both departments and home conditions, the Brave enter as favorites.

That said, the toss will play a huge role – chasing sides have enjoyed full success in Southampton this season.

Prediction: Southern Brave to win

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1. SOB vs WEF 32nd Match 2025 Playing XI