Jonny Bairstow, Ben Duckett put contest beyond Brave as James Neesham seals Welsh Fire win
Death bowling proves decisive as Vince, de Kock, Whiteley threaten in chase
Death bowling proves decisive as Vince, de Kock, Whiteley threaten in chase
Scorer: Venkat Raghav | Commentator: @PeterDellaPenna
9.19 pm Well that was a death bowling clinic across the last 15 balls. Neesham, Ball and Payne refuse to concede a boundary in that stretch and Welsh Fire come out on top. They won behind Qais Ahmad against the Northern Superchargers the other night so now move to four points while the Brave sit at 0 points after two matches still in search of their first win.
Match Hero is Jonny Bairstow: "It was a game-changing spell [by Jimmy Neesham] that we needed him to do. That's exactly why he's over here and in our side, is to change the game. Last game he got 30 off 10 balls. This game he's got wickets and didn't concede many. We took a couple of risks with spin in the Powerplay and got our rewards slightly later on. There's two ways of looking at the rain. I thought the way our boys bowled with a lack of pace suited the pitch better. It's been amazing playing at Cardiff. It was a great crowd tonight and thanks to everyone for coming out."
That's it from us tonight come back tomorrow for more coverage of the Hundred. For Andrew Miller, Alan Gardner and Matt Roller at the ground, I'm Peter Della Penna. Take care!
Payne to bowl the final five balls. Left-arm over the stumps.
Two sterling sets of five in a row from Neesham and Ball. Stylistically very different but both extremely effective in their own ways. From 29 off 15 to 22 off 5 required.
Atmosphere lacking in Cardiff due to rain and Covid restrictions, but some signs of promise
Death bowling proves decisive as Vince, de Kock, Whiteley threaten in chase