The Welsh Fire enjoyed an impressive 2024 season, finishing top of the table with five wins in the league stage. They progressed to the final but were ultimately defeated by London Spirit, falling just short of claiming their maiden title. With the same determination to succeed, Welsh Fire returns as a strong and balanced squad, poised to be serious contenders for the championship.
Welsh Fire boasts a strong core of world-class all-rounders, particularly Hayley Matthews and Jess Jonassen, who consistently influence matches with both bat and ball. Matthews has been a key player, combining crucial runs with important wickets to give the team valuable flexibility. Her recent form is excellent news for the franchise.
The world number one T20I all-rounder has been in outstanding form. She scored a century during the T20I series against England and was named Player of the Series for her 177 runs and three wickets. Matthews also earned Player of the Match honours in the final game of the series for scoring 71 runs and taking three wickets, despite the West Indies being swept in the series. She maintained this form in the subsequent T20I series against South Africa, again winning both Player of the Series and Player of the Match in the final game. This time, her efforts contributed to a series victory. For her brilliant all-round performances, Matthews was also named ICC Player of the Month for June.
Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen was last seen in action during the 2025 edition of the WPL. Although her side fell short, finishing runners-up for a third time, Jonassen had an impressive tournament. The left-arm spinner claimed 13 wickets, finishing as the third-highest wicket-taker of the season. She also made valuable contributions with the bat, scoring 150 runs in six innings at a strike rate close to 150 and averaging 37.5. Jonassen’s consistency extends to The Hundred, where she was also the third-highest wicket-taker in the 2024 season. If Welsh Fire are to claim their maiden title, these experienced all-rounders will need to play a central role in the team’s campaign.
South African pace legend Shabnim Ismail and experienced England top-order batter Tammy Beaumont also add valuable experience to the Welsh Fire squad. Both will be eager to play a key role in helping the franchise lift their first-ever title. Freya Davies was the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the 2024 season, known for her tight economy rates and ability to deliver under pressure. Shabnim Ismail and Freya Davies will provide pace options early on and in the death overs, often restricting runs and taking wickets at crucial junctures.
Despite a strong overall bowling attack, Welsh Fire have historically struggled to maintain control during the middle overs. While their power play and death bowling have often been effective, the central phase of the innings can allow opposition batters to settle, rotate the strike freely, or rebuild after early setbacks. This inconsistency can lead to higher totals being conceded or undermine their ability to defend competitive scores.
In the batting department, the reliance on Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley, and Hayley Matthews remains a concern. The experienced Beaumont and Dunkley also looked a little rusty against India in the white-ball series. While both provide stability and the ability to anchor an inning, the middle order has lacked consistent firepower and reliability. Too often, promising starts are not converted into dominant totals due to a failure to accelerate at key moments. If either Beaumont or Matthews has an off day, the batting lineup appears vulnerable. The absence of proven power hitters leaves Welsh Fire at risk of faltering during run chases or struggling to post match-winning scores against stronger, more explosive opposition.
Welsh Fire have a valuable opportunity to develop emerging talent within their squad. Young players such as Charley Phillips and Alex Griffiths are promising prospects who have the potential to make meaningful contributions when given greater responsibility. The Hundred’s high-profile platform offers these players exposure to high-intensity competition and a wide audience eager to see the next generation of stars. With the right support and development, these emerging cricketers could grow into reliable performers who add both depth and versatility to the team.
Building on the momentum of their 2024 campaign, in which Welsh Fire topped the group stage and reached the final, the team is well-positioned for further success in 2025. With experienced players, the squad benefits from continuity and a clear sense of direction, both of which help to build confidence and strengthen team cohesion. With a core group of players gaining in experience and consistency, Welsh Fire have a strong opportunity to mount another title challenge and establish themselves as one of the tournament’s leading sides.
Welsh Fire’s heavy reliance on senior internationals leaves them vulnerable to availability issues, particularly with the upcoming World Cup in the subcontinent and injury risks. Their absence would create major gaps in both batting and bowling, placing pressure on less experienced players.
Several of the squad’s emerging talents also lack exposure to high stakes matches, which could prove costly in tight knockout games where composure is crucial. Inexperience in key roles may lead to inconsistency under pressure.
With competition intensifying, particularly from well-rounded sides like Southern Brave and Trent Rockets, Welsh Fire could struggle to match their finishing power and bowling depth. Their occasional lapses during the middle overs may be exploited by more balanced and aggressive opponents, especially in the latter stages of the tournament.
Welsh Fire Women’s Squad, The Hundred 2025:
Tammy Beaumont (C), Sophia Dunkley, Hayley Matthews, Jess Jonassen, Sarah Bryce, Shabnim Ismail, Freya Davies, Georgia Elwiss, Katie George, Georgia Davis, Katie Levick, Emily Windsor, Beth Langston, Charley Phillips, Alex Griffiths
Welsh Fire Women’s Schedule, The Hundred 2025:
Thursday, 07 Aug 25, 3rd Match, Northern Superchargers (W) Vs Welsh Fire (W) , 7:30 PM
Saturday, 09 Aug 25, 6th Match, Welsh Fire (W) Vs London Spirit (W), 7:00 PM
Wednesday, 13 Aug 25, 12th Match, Welsh Fire (W) Vs Manchester Originals (W), 7:30 PM
Saturday, 16 Aug 25, 16th Match, Oval Invincibles (W) Vs Welsh Fire (W), 7:00 PM
Wednesday, 20 Aug 25, 21st Match, Welsh Fire (W) Vs Southern Brave (W), 4:00 PM
Friday, 22 Aug 25, 24th Match, Birmingham Phoenix (W) Vs Welsh Fire (W), 7:30 PM
Sunday, 24 Aug 25, 27th Match, Welsh Fire (W) Vs Trent Rockets (W), 3:30 PM
Thursday, 28 Aug 25, 32nd Match, Southern Brave (W) Vs Welsh Fire (W), 7:30 PM
