WEF-W Vs SOB-W, The Hundred 2025: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | Welsh Fire Women Vs Southern Brave Women

The business end of The Hundred Women’s 2025 is here, and every contest feels like a mini-final. On August 20, at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Welsh Fire Women (WEF-W) face a mighty test as they take on the table-topping Southern Brave Women (SOB-W).

This match has all the hallmarks of a blockbuster. On one side stands a Southern Brave unit that has been nothing short of dominant, boasting balance, power, and depth. On the other, the spirited Welsh Fire, who thrive on home support and the brilliance of their stars.

For the Fire, it’s about keeping playoff hopes alive. For the Brave, it’s about consolidating their dominance. And for fans, it promises fireworks.

Team Journey So Far

Welsh Fire Women: Fighting but Flawed

Led by Tammy Beaumont, the Fire have had a mixed campaign. Their batting has shown flashes of brilliance, with Sophia Dunkley and Hayley Matthews leading the charge. Jess Jonassen’s experience as an all-rounder has added steel, while the fiery pace of Shabnim Ismail continues to make her one of the most feared bowlers in the women’s game.

Yet, consistency has eluded them. Too often, the Fire have relied on individual performances rather than collective efforts. Their challenge against Brave is clear: play as a unit, not as fragments of brilliance.

Southern Brave Women: The Benchmark of Excellence

Under the leadership of Georgia Adams, Southern Brave have emerged as the most complete team of the tournament. Their top order, featuring Laura Wolvaardt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, and Sophie Devine, has been ruthless. Add to that the power of Chloe Tryon and the all-round versatility of Freya Kemp, and you have a batting lineup that intimidates opposition attacks.

Their bowling is equally formidable. Lauren Bell’s pace, combined with spin and all-round options, ensures Brave can adapt to conditions seamlessly. More importantly, Brave look like a team in complete control of their destiny.

Key Player Battles to Watch

1. Shabnim Ismail vs Laura Wolvaardt

A clash of South African teammates. Ismail, known for her raw pace and aggression, will look to unsettle Wolvaardt early. Wolvaardt’s elegant strokeplay, however, thrives on fast bowling. This duel could set the tone for Brave’s innings.

2. Hayley Matthews vs Lauren Bell

Matthews has been Fire’s trump card — a destructive batter and crafty off-spinner. But against the new ball, she’ll need to negotiate Lauren Bell’s steep bounce and swing. If Matthews gets going, Fire can challenge the Brave’s dominance.

3. Tammy Beaumont vs Sophie Devine

Beaumont’s experience as Fire’s skipper and opener makes her pivotal. But against the all-round brilliance of Devine — with both bat and ball — Beaumont will need to anchor smartly while also setting the tempo.

4. Middle-Order Depth: Tryon vs Jonassen

Two powerhouse all-rounders, Chloe Tryon for Brave and Jess Jonassen for Fire, often change games in the middle overs. Their ability to clear boundaries and provide breakthroughs makes them crucial in the contest.

Head-to-Head Record

In the seven clashes between these sides so far:

Southern Brave Women: 4 wins
Welsh Fire Women: 3 wins
No Results: 0
Ties: 0

The numbers show just how closely matched these teams have been historically. While Brave lead the rivalry, Fire have enough wins to remind fans that they can spring surprises.

Venue Insight: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

Sophia Gardens is known for producing balanced contests. The pitch often offers movement and bounce for seamers in the early overs, rewarding bowlers like Shabnim Ismail and Lauren Bell. However, as the innings progress, the surface tends to settle, making strokeplay easier.

Average First-Innings Score in The Hundred: ~134
Chasing Record: Strong — teams prefer to bowl first here, as the pitch evens out under lights.

Expect Brave to back their chasing record if they win the toss, while Fire may need early wickets to tilt the balance.

Team Previews & Probable XI

Welsh Fire Women (WEF-W)

Strengths: Explosive top order, all-round depth in Matthews and Jonassen, Shabnim Ismail’s pace.
Weaknesses: Over-reliance on star performers, middle-order inconsistency.

Probable XI:

Tammy Beaumont (c, wk)
Sophia Dunkley
Hayley Matthews
Jess Jonassen
Georgia Elwiss
Sarah Bryce
Emily Windsor
Katie George
Freya Davies
Shabnim Ismail
Katie Levick

Southern Brave Women (SOB-W)

Strengths: World-class top order, multiple all-round options, pace spearhead Lauren Bell.
Weaknesses: Can occasionally collapse under early pressure if top order fails.

Probable XI:

Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Laura Wolvaardt
Sophie Devine
Georgia Adams (c)
Chloe Tryon
Maia Bouchier
Freya Kemp
Mady Villiers
Lauren Bell
Rhianna Southby (wk)
Phoebe Graham

Tactical Breakdown

Welsh Fire Gameplan:
1. Strike early with Ismail and Davies to dismantle Brave’s top order.
2. Use Matthews and Jonassen in middle overs to stifle run flow.
3. Beaumont and Dunkley must provide a solid platform for a competitive chase.
Southern Brave Gameplan:
1. Attack Fire’s batting with Bell’s pace and Tryon’s aggression.
2. Back Wolvaardt and Wyatt-Hodge to dominate in powerplay.
3. Utilize their all-round depth to maintain pressure throughout.

Dream11 Fantasy Prediction

Wicketkeeper: Tammy Beaumont
Batters: Georgia Elwiss, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Laura Wolvaardt, Sophia Dunkley
All-rounders: Jess Jonassen, Hayley Matthews, Sophie Devine, Georgia Adams
Bowlers: Freya Davies, Lauren Bell

Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:

Choice 1: Danni Wyatt-Hodge (C), Hayley Matthews (VC)
Choice 2: Sophie Devine (C), Tammy Beaumont (VC)

Backups: Josie Groves, Phoebe Turner, Charley Phillips, Beth Langston

What’s at Stake?

For Welsh Fire, a win here could catapult them into playoff contention and inject belief into their campaign. A loss, however, would push them closer to the brink, especially with the table tightening.
For Southern Brave, victory would not only solidify their top spot but also send a strong message to rivals: they remain the team to beat.

Predictions: Who Has the Edge?

On paper, Southern Brave Women are overwhelming favourites. Their batting depth and bowling strength have been unmatched this season. However, home advantage at Sophia Gardens and the brilliance of players like Beaumont, Matthews, and Ismail mean Welsh Fire cannot be written off.

Expect Brave to start stronger, but if Fire’s bowlers click early, the contest could go right down to the wire.

Verdict: Southern Brave Women to win — but in a close finish.

The Hundred thrives on unpredictability, and this clash is a perfect example. The Fire, playing at home, will look to ignite their campaign with a famous win. The Brave, already cruising, will aim to maintain their ruthless streak.

Whatever the result, fans at Sophia Gardens and across the cricketing world can expect a thrilling, hard-fought contest — one that could shape the course of The Hundred Women 2025.

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