Southern Brave vs Welsh Fire Prediction: Back more fireworks from Jordan Cox

Southern Brave have established themselves as one of the competition’s most consistent franchises, while Welsh Fire have yet to make a play-off, finishing bottom of the pile twice.

They face off on Wednesday and Dan Thomas is here to preview the action…

*You can check out all of our Cricket Odds over at betfred.com

Where to watch Southern Brave vs Welsh Fire

The match starts at 6.30pm BST on Wednesday 22 July at the Utilita Bowl. Live coverage is on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with the women’s match also available from 3pm. Viewers outside the UK should check their local listings.

Southern Brave going for the hat-trick

Southern Brave have been one of the standout teams in The Hundred since its launch, reaching multiple finals and lifting the trophy in 2021. Their 2026 squad retains the experience and match-winning quality that has made them such a difficult opponent, with Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan, Marcus Stoinis and David Miller providing a formidable core.

The return of Archer will be one of the biggest talking points of the tournament. If fit and available, the England quick gives Brave a genuine wicket taking threat with the new ball, while Rashid remains one of the best white ball spinners in world cricket and a major weapon through the middle overs.

Welsh Fire searching for winning formula

Welsh Fire have struggled for consistency in recent years and look to be focusing on batting as they aim to improve in the 2026 edition. Joe Root and the explosive Jordan Cox have been added to the ranks, which also include Rachin Ravindra, Phil Salt and Matt Short. A potentially formidable unit.

Marco Jansen gives the side a genuine all-round option with his ability to contribute in all phases. The bowling attack has variety, with Lockie Ferguson offering express pace, Chris Woakes and Sam Cook bringing experience and Jafer Chohan providing a wrist-spin option, but it looks a little lightweight compared to the leading sides.

Predicted line-ups

Southern Brave: Michael Pepper, Jamie Smith, Tom Rew, Marcus Stoinis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Nikhil Chaudhary, Chris Jordan © , Jofra Archer, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid

Welsh Fire: Phil Salt ©, Matt Short, Rachin Ravindra, Joe Root, Jordan Cox, David Tribe, Marco Jansen, Chris Woakes, Sam Cook, Lockie Ferguson, Jafer Chohan

Pitch & conditions

In the 2026 Blast, the Utilita Bowl has averaged 169 runs in the first innings, with teams batting first winning 17 of 25 completed T20 matches, suggesting there has been a clear advantage in setting a target rather than chasing.

That trend continued in the Hundred last season, with the Utilita Bowl again producing a healthy balance between bat and ball. The average first-innings score was around the mid-160s, but the venue has also shown that totals above 170 are within reach.

The weather forecast for Southampton looks favourable, with dry conditions expected and temperatures remaining above 20C.

Southern Brave vs Welsh Fire Odds

Southern Brave are 4/5 favourites, with Welsh Fire available at evens, which looks about right given formlines from previous editions. For whatever reason, Fire have never been able to find the correct formula for success in contrast to the well oiled Brave machine,

Jamie Smith heads the Southern Brave top batter market at 3/1, ahead of David Miller and Tom Rew at 7/2, while Michael Pepper and Tristan Stubbs are both 4/1. For Welsh Fire, Phil Salt is favourite at 3/1, followed by Joe Root at 10/3, with Jordan Cox and Matt Short both 4/1.

Best bets

 Cox looks the standout bet at 4/1 to top score for Welsh Fire. The England man finished top of the overall men's Hundred batting standings in 2025, scoring 367 runs in nine innings at an average of 61.16, and was named Player of the Series. He scored a quickfire 50 at the Utilita Bowl last season when playing for the Oval Invincibles - and went even better against the Fire at the Oval, scoring an unforgettable 86 off just 29 balls. We’ll back him to top the charts again.

Dan Thomas Cricket P/L (before MI London vs SunRisers Leeds)

Staked: 55pts

Returned: 46.83pts

P/L: -8.17pts

Dan Thomas 2025 Cricket P/L:

• Staked: 32pts 
• Returned: 26.33pts 
• P/L: -6.67pts 

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