Rachin Ravindra delivered a standout performance in the history of the men's Hundred, scoring 98 runs off just 44 balls to guide Welsh Fire to a 15-run victory over MI London at Sophia Gardens. The New Zealand left-hander’s innings was the cornerstone of the hosts' 187 for 4 total, falling just two runs short of a century. Welsh Fire's start was initially precarious, as they were reduced to 20 for 2 after 22 deliveries. Phil Salt was the first to depart, chipping Tom Curran to Sherfane Rutherford, followed by Matthew Short, who was bowled by Richard Gleeson.
Ravindra single-handedly shifted the momentum, reaching a 22-ball fifty by hitting Rashid Khan over midwicket. He surpassed Jonny Bairstow’s record of 86 not out to set the highest individual score for Welsh Fire in the competition. Ravindra’s innings included seven fours and seven sixes, with 70 of his 98 runs coming from boundaries. He was eventually dismissed on the 98th ball of the innings, miscuing a shot off Trent Boult to Jason Roy. Joe Root contributed 29 runs, while Jordan Cox added an unbeaten 17 off nine balls after Root was stumped off Rashid Khan.
In the chase, MI London maintained a steady pace despite losing Will Jacks early to Sam Cook. Jason Roy and James Vince reached 72 for 1 after 46 balls, but the contest turned when Lockie Ferguson entered the attack. Ferguson claimed successive wickets, bowling Roy and removing Sam Curran for a golden duck. He later dismissed Nicholas Pooran to put the visitors under pressure. Although James Vince kept the chase alive with a fluent 66 off 38 balls, Ravindra made a critical impact in the field, diving low to his left to complete a caught-and-bowled dismissal of Vince.
Despite a late 24-run flourish from Sherfane Rutherford, Welsh Fire’s bowlers held their composure. Ferguson returned to clean up Tom Curran, finishing with figures of 4 for 26 as Welsh Fire secured their second win of the season. In the final tally, Welsh Fire finished on 167 for 5 in 100 balls, while MI London concluded their chase at 152 for 6.
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