Welsh Fire
The Hundred 2026 · Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
The only Welsh team in professional franchise cricket. Sophia Gardens on the banks of the Taff. 2022 women's champions. Welsh Fire burn with a passion that is entirely their own.
The Welsh Fire Story
Welsh Fire occupy a unique place in The Hundred's landscape: they are the only team representing a nation outside England. Glamorgan's franchise carries the hopes of Welsh cricket fans who, for the first time in professional franchise sport, have a team of their own to follow. Sophia Gardens — sitting on the banks of the Taff in the heart of Cardiff — provides one of The Hundred's most characterful venues.
The 2022 women's title was Welsh Fire's finest hour. Hayley Matthews' all-round brilliance with bat and off-spin was central to a dominant final victory over Trent Rockets Women at Lord's. It gave Wales its first franchise cricket championship and sparked celebrations across the principality. The women's side have built on that foundation with consistently competitive performances.
For the men, the wait for a first title continues — but Welsh Fire regularly produce competitive group-stage performances and the intensity of Sophia Gardens as a home venue gives them a genuine advantage. Wales' rugby-mad sporting culture has transferred well to The Hundred, with sell-out crowds creating an atmosphere that rivals any venue in the competition.
Honours — The Hundred
| Year | Men's | Women's |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Group stage | Group stage |
| 2024 | Group stage | Group stage |
| 2023 | Group stage | Group stage |
| 2022 | Group stage | 🏆 Women's Champions |
| 2021 | Group stage | Group stage |
Key Players (2025 season)
Ben Duckett
Opening Batter
England's aggressive left-handed opener — fearless and technically excellent
Colin Ingram
Batter
South Africa's power-hitter; consistent Welsh Fire performer across multiple editions
Tom Abell
Batter / Captain
Somerset-born Glamorgan stalwart — composed leadership and reliable batting
Timm van der Gugten
Pace Bowler
Netherlands international and Glamorgan's relentless seam-bowling workhorse
Hayley Matthews
Women's All-rounder
West Indies captain and 2022 title-winner — batting and off-spin at the highest level
Sophie Luff
Women's Batter
Welsh Fire and Glamorgan stalwart — consistent run-scorer and local hero in Cardiff
2026 squads subject to The Hundred draft and player availability.
FAQs
Have Welsh Fire won The Hundred?
Welsh Fire Women won the 2022 women's Hundred title — their only major trophy in the competition's history. The women's side defeated Trent Rockets Women in the final at Lord's in what was one of the most competitive women's finals to date. The men's side has yet to progress beyond the group stages in any edition, though they regularly produce competitive performances at Sophia Gardens. The 2026 season presents another opportunity for the men to end that streak.
Where do Welsh Fire play?
Welsh Fire play at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff — home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club and one of the UK's most distinctive cricket venues, sitting on the banks of the River Taff. Sophia Gardens is the only international cricket ground in Wales and holds a special place for Welsh sports fans. The ground hosted a memorable Ashes Test in 2009 and provides an intimate but passionate atmosphere for The Hundred's Welsh fixtures.
Who are Welsh Fire's key players?
Colin Ingram has been one of Welsh Fire's most consistent batting performers — his South African power-hitting experience translating well to the 100-ball format. Ben Duckett has brought England quality at the top of the order. Tom Abell provides experienced leadership at Glamorgan's home ground. The women's squad has featured Hayley Matthews — the West Indies all-rounder whose batting and off-spin won them the 2022 title — though rosters change annually through the Hundred draft.
Why is Welsh Fire important to Welsh cricket?
Welsh Fire is the only cricket team representing Wales in any major professional franchise competition. With Wales historically sharing international cricket coverage with England, The Hundred has given Welsh cricket its own distinct identity and franchise to follow. The passionate Welsh fanbase and the unique setting of Sophia Gardens make Welsh Fire one of The Hundred's most distinctive franchises — and the 2022 women's title gave the whole of Wales a moment to celebrate.
Quick Facts
- Home ground
- Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
- Men's titles
- 0
- Women's titles
- 1 (2022)
- County partner
- Glamorgan CCC
- Nation
- Wales
- 2026 season
- Jul 21 – Aug 16
Home Ground
Sophia Gardens
Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11
Wales' only international cricket ground, sitting on the banks of the River Taff in central Cardiff. Sophia Gardens hosted an Ashes Test in 2009 (England won by 4 wickets in a finish that gripped the nation) and provides an intimate, passionate atmosphere for Welsh Fire home fixtures.