Last update on.From The HundredMen's Hundred: Sophia Gardens Welsh Fire, 165-4 (100 ball): Bairstow 72(39), Duckett 53 (34); Briggs 2-33 Southern Brave 147-8 (100 ball): Vince 40 (27); Neesham 5 Welsh Fire won by 19 runs ScorecardJonny Bairstow gathered a stunning 72 balls from 39 balls to win an entertaining victory for Welsh Fire against Southern Brave.It was clear that the contest was going to be a high-scoring one when Tom Banton hit the sixth ball.A partnership of 116 players between Bairstow (53) and Ben Duckett (53) created a formidable total of 165-4, meaning that Welsh Fire have achieved two of the highest scores in the tournament's history.Southern Brave battled back with late wickets, making a thrilling start in their run chase. They raced to 41 from the 15 first balls. But Welsh Fire's bowlers kept their cool and took wickets at critical times to win the game.Jonny, be happy!Jonny Bairstow performed admirably in Welsh Fire's first match against the Superchargers. He also managed to take his batting skills to a new level against the Brave.Actually, Ben Duckett's impressive 53 points from 34 was almost overlooked.Bairstow was a master of patience and showed great patience despite his prowess at hitting against the white ball.However, he wasn't under any pressure - Tom Banton hit 2 sixes in the first 3 balls of the innings, and Duckett continued with the same intent and innovation even after he left.Bairstow was able to run at a run per ball in the first half of his innings. He looked like he was having trouble timing and was happy to let his teammates take charge.The crowd went wild as Bairstow's brutal hitting display left them begging for mercy.The tournament's Most Valuable Player rankings also rose to the top thanks to it.Some will be surprised to hear that Bairstow was recalled to England's Test squad. However, it is certain that it will create a huge hole in Welsh Fire and The Hundred.De Kock makes his grand entryJonny Bairstow & Tom Banton make an opening partnership that will keep bowlers awake at night. But Brave's top two, Quinton de Kock & James Vince, also showed why they are a force for good.South Africa's de Kock made his debut in The Hundred. He didn't hesitate to make his presence felt.Although he only hit 21 balls, he made it from seven - seven! He even hit his first six-ball ball.Brave was given a great start to their chase while Vince added 40 more to give them a chance at chasing their formidable target.Brave's famed bowling attack is a fire escape!Southern Brave's bowling attack looks formidable on paper.They aren't big but they can be fast. In some cases, both. Spinner Danny Briggs is the most successful wicket taker in T20 Blast.Although there hasn't been a Jofra archer in this competition so far, Chris Jordan, Tymal mills, Colin de Grandhomme and Craig Overton represent a dynamic group of bowlers.Welsh Fire may not be as star-quality on paper, but their smarts and canniness more than make up the difference.Qais Ahmad, Afghanistan's leg-spinner, was the star of their first win. However, he struggled at Sophia Gardens.It was instead Jimmy Neesham and Jake Ball who caused the most damage.Neesham displayed all his skills and was slower than usual and conceded five runs from his 15 deliveries. He also took out three batters including Vince, Brave's star player.Fire's bowling attack is not as explosive as their batting. However, they outsmarted Brave in this fixture and ensured their team sits joint-top at the early men’s Hundred table.
