Welsh Fire claimed their fourth victory in five matches in this season's Hundred men's competition, overcoming Southern Brave by six wickets in Cardiff. A well-crafted half-century from Matt Short was instrumental in guiding the home side to success.
Chasing a target of 116, Welsh Fire lost captain Phil Salt early. However, a crucial 56-run partnership between Joe Root and Short laid the foundation for their win on a challenging Sophia Gardens pitch.
Despite losing Root for 17, followed by Rachin Ravindra for a duck and Jordan Cox, Short's composed innings prevented a collapse. He brought up his fifty from 37 balls with a six off Jofra Archer, then combined with Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who hit an unbeaten 23, to steer Fire over the line with five balls remaining.
Earlier, Southern Brave endured a difficult start after being sent in to bat, with openers Jamie Smith and Ben McKinney dismissed without scoring. Marcus Stoinis provided the main resistance for Brave, scoring 55 from 39 balls before falling to Sam Cook, who finished with figures of 3-14. Brave ultimately limped to 115-8.
The win moves Welsh Fire level on 16 points with Trent Rockets at the top of the table. Southern Brave remain in fourth place with two wins from six matches.