Welsh Fire had an impressive 2024 season, finishing at the top of the table with five wins during the league stage. They made it through to the final but were narrowly beaten by London Spirit, missing out on their first-ever title. Returning with the same determination, Welsh Fire will come back as a strong and well-balanced squad, ready to be serious contenders for the championship. On August 7 they will play their first match against Northern Superchargers at the Leeds Cricket Ground.
Hayley Matthews
Currently ranked as the world’s top T20I all-rounder, Matthews put in a series of impressive performances, including a century against England in their T20I series. She was named Player of the Series for scoring 177 runs and taking three wickets and was awarded Player of the Match in the final game after scoring 71 runs and picking up three wickets, despite the West Indies losing the series. She continued her strong form in the subsequent T20I series against South Africa, again earning both Player of the Series and Player of the Match in the final match. Matthews also has an impressive track record in The Hundred. With the bat, she has scored 662 runs, including four half-centuries. She has also been effective with the ball, taking 25 wickets in as many appearances, making her an invaluable asset to the team.
Tammy Beaumont
Veteran English top-order batter Tammy Beaumont brings a wealth of experience to the side. In the 2025 home international season, she looked in good form against the West Indies but appeared slightly out of touch against India. However, given her experience, she has the ability to bounce back quickly and turn a game around. In The Hundred, Beaumont has scored 731 runs, including a century, and holds an impressive strike rate of 125. Her experience and proven track record will be crucial for the franchise this season.
Sophia Dunkley
England’s T20I opener has an impressive record to her name. In 31 innings in The Hundred, she has scored 851 runs at an average of over 32 and a strike rate close to 132. With experience batting both at the top of the order and during the closing stages of an innings, she will play a crucial role in the batting line-up. If she settles in at the crease, she has the ability to take the game away from the opposition.
Jess Jonassen
Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen was last in action during the 2025 edition of the WPL, where she delivered a strong individual performance, taking 13 wickets, making her the third-highest wicket-taker of the tournament. She also chipped in with the bat, scoring 150 runs in six innings at an impressive strike rate close to 150, with an average of 37.5. She has shown similar consistency in The Hundred. In the 2024 season, she was again the third-highest wicket-taker. In her debut season, she impressed with both bat and ball, claiming 12 wickets and scoring 176 runs at an average of 44 and a strong strike rate, playing a vital role in their runners-up campaign.
Georgia Elwiss
The 34-year-old Georgia Elwiss is a seasoned campaigner in the English domestic circuit and also brings valuable international experience. Across 19 innings in The Hundred, she has scored 218 runs and picked up 14 wickets with her handy medium pace. Her all-round skills, particularly with the ball, offer the captain a reliable backup option if the frontline bowlers are unable to deliver.
Sarah Bryce
Scottish wicketkeeper Sarah Bryce has featured in 22 innings in The Hundred, scoring 385 runs with the bat. She has also been sharp behind the stumps, recording 28 dismissals. With plenty of experience in English domestic cricket, she is well accustomed to the conditions and will be keen to play a key role in her team’s success this season.
Emily Windsor
Although Emily Windsor has featured in 14 matches in The Hundred, she has only had the opportunity to bat on three occasions. Given her recent form in domestic competitions, she will be eager to make an impact with the bat if given the chance this season.
Katie George
Although Katie George hasn’t had much success in The Hundred so far, her left-arm pace bowling has the potential to be a game changer if she performs well and takes key wickets. She is also capable with the bat, able to come in lower down the order and provide valuable finishing runs for her team.
Freya Davies
Freya Davies has taken 28 wickets with her pace bowling in The Hundred, maintaining an economy rate of under 8 in the high-tempo format. She is likely to form a strong new-ball partnership with experienced pacer Shabnim Ismail, as they look to provide early breakthroughs for their side.
Katie Levick
The experienced leg-spinner has been impressive in The Hundred. In just 28 matches, she has taken 34 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of only 6.73. She has also been regularly taking wickets in domestic List A and T20 matches. Her variations and ability to take wickets will be crucial, especially in such a fast-paced cricket league.
Shabnim Ismail
One of the fastest bowlers in women’s cricket, Shabnim Ismail brings valuable experience and a strong wicket-taking ability, especially with the new ball, making her a crucial addition to Welsh Fire. Her tight line and length are reflected in an economy rate of under 7, despite primarily bowling with the new ball. She has also taken 24 wickets. The success of last year’s runners-up, Welsh Fire, will largely depend on how their senior fast bowler performs this season.
