Rachin Ravindra produced one of the finest innings in The Hundred to inspire Welsh Fire to a 15-run victory over defending champions MI London in front of a record crowd at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
The New Zealand all-rounder blasted 98 from just 44 balls before Lockie Ferguson claimed four wickets to help Welsh Fire defend 167 for 5 and secure their second win of the campaign.
Ravindra Lights Up Cardiff with Stunning Knock
After being asked to bat first, Welsh Fire made a shaky start. Tom Curran struck early by dismissing Phil Salt, while Richard Gleeson removed Matthew Short to leave the hosts struggling at 20 for 2 after 22 deliveries.
Ravindra immediately shifted the momentum. The left-hander raced to a 22-ball half-century, bringing up the milestone by launching Rashid Khan over the midwicket boundary.
Joe Root provided valuable support with 29 from 26 balls, allowing Ravindra to dominate the scoring as the pair rebuilt the innings.
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The New Zealand batter then accelerated dramatically, smashing four sixes in the space of eight deliveries and surpassing Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 86 to record the highest individual score by a Welsh Fire batter in the men’s competition.
Jordan Cox added a quick unbeaten 17 from nine balls late in the innings, but the spotlight remained firmly on Ravindra as he closed in on a century.
His remarkable innings ended on 98 from 44 balls when he miscued Trent Boult to Jason Roy from the 98th delivery of the innings, leaving him just two runs short of a memorable hundred.
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His 98 is the joint fourth-highest individual score in the history of the men’s Hundred competition.
Ferguson Turns the Match with Four Wickets
MI London started their chase confidently despite losing Will Jacks early to Sam Cook. Jason Roy and James Vince guided the visitors to 72 for 1 after 46 deliveries, putting the defending champions in a strong position.
Ferguson then transformed the contest.
The New Zealand fast bowler dismissed Roy before removing Sam Curran for a golden duck with the very next delivery, halting MI London’s momentum.
He later claimed the key wicket of Nicholas Pooran before returning to dismiss Tom Curran and finish with outstanding figures of 4 for 27.
Ravindra Produces Match-Winning Catch
James Vince continued to threaten Welsh Fire’s hopes with an impressive 66 from 38 balls.
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However, Ravindra produced another decisive contribution in the field by completing a spectacular caught-and-bowled to remove the MI London captain at a crucial stage of the chase.
Sherfane Rutherford fought until the end with an unbeaten 24 from 18 deliveries, but Welsh Fire’s bowlers remained composed in the closing stages to seal a 15-run victory.
Ravindra Reflects on Team Performance
After being named Meerkat Match Hero, Ravindra praised his team’s all-round display against one of the tournament favourites.
“We know how good the MI London side is and the history and pedigree of their team, and for us to put on a performance on our home ground, the way we played, was fantastic.”
Ravindra’s explosive batting, brilliant catch and Welsh Fire’s disciplined bowling combined to hand the hosts a memorable victory over the three-time defending champions.
