The 3rd match of the Hundred 2025 will light up Headingley in Leeds on August 7, with the Northern Superchargers locking horns with the Welsh Fire. With both teams missing the playoffs last season, this encounter marks a crucial early test to set the tone for the tournament. Ahead of this riveting contest check out the Northern Superchargers vs Welsh Fire preview, probable playing xi and pitch report.
Northern Superchargers vs Welsh Fire Preview
Two teams who haven't had much success in The Hundred Men's tournament since it's inception look to turn things around this season and it all starts with this fixture. The Northern Superchargers won just 6 and lost 9 of the 16 matches played at Headingley, while the Welsh Fire are winless at Leeds.
Northern Superchargers
The Northern Superchargers had a mixed 2024 campaign. They finished with five wins in eight matches, narrowly missing the playoffs due to run rate. However, they return this season with a powerful lineup filled with big names and solid domestic performers. The batting lineup is spearheaded by David Malan, who was among the top scorers last season.
Graham Clark, who found fantastic form in the recent T20 Blast (with over 400 runs), brings fresh energy at the top. Add the explosive finishing power of David Miller and the returning firepower of Harry Brook, and the NOS look strong on paper. On the bowling front, Matthew Potts, their top wicket-taker in 2024, will be vital again. Veteran spinner Adil Rashid brings spin expertise, while Ben Dwarshuis and Brydon Carse strengthen their squad.
Welsh Fire
The Welsh Fire had a tough 2024 campaign, managing just two wins in eight matches. They went winless in their final four games and never found rhythm. However, the 2025 squad looks rejuvenated with the return of big names like Steve Smith and Jonny Bairstow. Bairstow had a strong finish to his T20 Blast stint, while Stephen Eskinazi, with 420 runs in the T20 Blast group stages, enters this game in red-hot form.
If their top order fires, they have the ability to post competitive totals. Mason Crane spearheads the Welsh Fire's bowling attack after a stellar T20 Blast campaign. Chris Green adds spin support, while Josh Hull and David Payne provide pace. Yet, handling pressure and maintaining consistency remain key challenges for the unit.
Northern Superchargers vs Welsh Fire Probable XI
Northern Superchargers Probable XI: Dawid Malan, Zak Crawley, Graham Clark, Harry Brook, Michael Pepper, David Miller, Ben Dwarshuis, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Pat Brown, Brydon Carse.
Welsh Fire Probable XI: Stephen Eskinazi, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tom Abell, Steve Smith, Jonny Bairstow, Luke Wells, Ajeet Singh Dale, Chris Green, Mason Crane, Josh Hull, David Payne.
Pitch Report - Headingley, Leeds
Headingley offers a balanced pitch with a slight edge for batters, especially in the first innings. Teams batting first have dominated recently, winning three of the last four games here. Clear skies and pleasant weather (14°C–20°C) are expected, with no rain interruptions likely.
- Matches Played: 16
- Won Batting 1st: 9
- Won Batting 2nd: 6
- Average 1st Innings Score: 161
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 144
