Published on: Aug 22, 2025 3:09 am IST|Updated on: Aug 21, 2025 5:09 pm IST
It’s time for match no. 23 in the Men’s Hundred 2025; the Birmingham Phoenix will be taking on Welsh Fire at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The Welsh Fire are rooted at the bottom, whereas the Birmingham Phoenix, currently standing at 5th, are hoping to breach into the top 3.
The Phoenix, with 2 wins and 3 losses from 5 matches are still in contention to make it to the top 3. A win here will take them to 12 points, the same as the current 4th place holders, the Northern Superchargers, but they will remain 5th for now and keep their hopes alive of finishing among the top 3.
For Welsh Fire, the season is seemingly all but over. Languishing right at the bottom with a solitary win over Manchester Originals out of 5 games, the Fire are on the verge of an exit from the competition. They are left with three more fixtures and need to win each of those games to keep the slimmer hopes alive of making it to the top 3.
Let’s delve deeper into this post for the BPH vs WEF Dream11 prediction.
Date: 22nd August 2025 Time: 11:00 PM IST Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Matches Played: 4 BPH won: 3 WEF won: 1 Tied: 0 No Result: 0
Four times Birmingham Phoenix and Welsh Fire have had a face-off in the Hundred’s history. Welsh Fire has won only a solitary fixture, whereas Birmingham Phoenix have 3 wins to their name. Fire’s only win came in the 2023 edition.
The pitch at Edgbaston for Match 23 of The Hundred 2025 between Birmingham Phoenix and Welsh Fire is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early on, seamers may find some assistance with movement off the surface, especially under overcast conditions. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to settle into a reliable batting track, allowing stroke-makers to capitalize. Short square boundaries and a quick outfield further favor aggressive batting, particularly in the second half of the innings. Spinners could come into play during the middle overs, with some grip available if the surface dries out under lights. Historically, teams batting first have had a slight edge at this venue, especially when posting totals above 150. With playoff implications looming, expect both sides to approach the surface tactically, balancing aggression with control.
Here’s a table featuring The Hundred stats at Edgbaston, Birmingham:
WEF Expected Playing XI: Steven Smith, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Luke Wells, Tom Abell (C), Tom Kohler-Cadmore/Stephen Eskinazi, Saif Zaib, Paul Walter, Chris Green, Matt Henry, David Payne, Ajeet Dale/Josh Hull
BPH Expected Playing XI: Will Smeed, Ben Duckett, Joe Clarke (WK), Liam Livingstone (C), Jacob Bethell, Louis Kimber, Benny Howell, Chris Wood, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Trent Boult
As per the betting odds provided by most of the bettors, the hosts, Birmingham Phoenix, are tipped as the favorites to win this match and keep their top 3 hopes alive.
The all-important clash between Welsh Fire and Birmingham Phoenix will take place on Friday, August 23, at 10:30 PM (IST). Online live streaming will take place on the SonyLiv App. The TV streaming will take place on Sony Ten channels.
Wicket-keepers: Jonny Bairstow, Joe Clarke Batters: Will Smeed, Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett All-Rounders: Cameron Green, Liam Livingstone, Benny Howell Bowlers: David Payne, Trent Boult, Matt Henry
C/VC Options- Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone