Welsh Fire ignited by Ravindra and Ferguson heroics

Rachin Ravindra and Lockie Ferguson were the standouts as Welsh Fire got a win, with both New Zealanders bringing their trademark energy to the side. Rachin Ravindra Led with the bat and in the field. His aggressive strokeplay and composure set the tone for Welsh Fire's innings. Lockie Ferguson Brought the pace and fire with the ball. His spells broke partnerships and kept the opposition under pressure. The "Kiwi verve" — aggressive batting from Ravindra and fiery bowling from Ferguson — was what inspired Welsh Fire to get over the line. The Black Caps duo were central to the result. The Oval-based franchise have won the men's competition in each of the last three summers but their star-studded bowling line-up had no answer to Ravindra, whose 44-ball 98 left the Sophia Gardens crowd purring before he took a stunning caught-and-bowled to take the pivotal wicket of James Vince. Fire had struggled to find their rhythm after MI London won the toss and asked them to bat. Phil Salt spooned a catch to Sherfane Rutherford to give Tom Curran the early breakthrough and when Matthew Short was bowled by Richard Gleeson the hosts had laboured to 20 for 2 from 22 deliveries. But when Ravindra entered the action he appeared to be batting on a different surface, racing to his half-century in 22 balls and bringing up the milestone by dispatching Rashid Khan over the midwicket boundary. Rachin Ravindra 98 (98 balls) - The star. Hit 4 sixes in 8 balls, broke Jonny Bairstow’s record (86_) for highest Fire score in The Hundred men’s comp. Missed his century, caught by Jason Roy off Trent Boult on the 98th ball of the innings. Joe Root 29 (26) - Played second fiddle to Ravindra. Jordan Cox 17_ (9) - Quick cameo after Root was stumped off Rashid Khan. With the ball - Welsh Fire: Lockie Ferguson 4-26 - Match-turning spell. 2 wickets in 2 balls: bowled Jason Roy, then Sam Curran for a golden duck when Southern Brave were 72/1 after 46 balls. Later removed dangerous Nicholas Pooran. Ravindra - Also chipped in with a key catch/run-out moment, dismissing James Vince for 66 (38) when the game was tight. Sam Cook - Took early wicket of Will Jacks. Trent Boult 1-16 was impressive for the opposition. Kiwi duo delivered. Ravindra’s record-breaking 98 gave Fire the total, then Ferguson’s double-strike and Pooran wicket blew the chase open. Vince’s 66 threatened, but Ravindra’s fielding sealed it. Fire's bowlers held their nerve at the death as Rutherford (24* from 18) flexed his muscles, Ferguson returning to clean up Tom Curran and secure his team's second win of the campaign. Ravindra, the Meerkat Match Hero, said: "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."