Ravindra's Blazing 98 and Ferguson's Four-Wicket Haul Lead Welsh Fire to Victory Over MI London

Rachin Ravindra produced a sensational all-round display as Welsh Fire defeated MI London by 15 runs in The Hundred, delighting a record crowd at Sophia Gardens on Sunday.

The New Zealand star smashed a breathtaking 98 off just 44 balls—the joint fourth-highest score in the history of The Hundred men's competition—before taking a stunning caught-and-bowled dismissal to remove the dangerous James Vince during MI London's chase.

After being asked to bat first, Welsh Fire endured a slow start. Phil Salt fell early to Tom Curran, while Richard Gleeson dismissed Matthew Short, leaving the hosts struggling at 20 for 2 after 22 deliveries.

Ravindra then transformed the innings with an explosive counterattack. He reached his half-century in only 22 balls, bringing up the milestone by launching Rashid Khan over the midwicket boundary. Partnering with Joe Root, who contributed a composed 29 off 26 deliveries, Ravindra dominated the scoring, clearing the ropes repeatedly and surpassing Jonny Bairstow's previous highest score for Welsh Fire in the men's competition.

Jordan Cox added a quick unbeaten 17 from nine balls after Root was stumped off Rashid Khan. Ravindra looked destined for a memorable century but fell agonizingly short on the penultimate ball of the innings, dismissed for 98 after mistiming a shot to Jason Roy off Trent Boult, who finished with figures of 1 for 16.

Chasing the target, MI London lost Will Jacks early to Sam Cook but recovered through a strong partnership led by James Vince. At 72 for 1 after 46 deliveries, the visitors appeared to be in control before Lockie Ferguson turned the match on its head.

The New Zealand fast bowler struck twice in consecutive balls, clean bowling Jason Roy before dismissing Sam Curran for a golden duck. Ferguson continued his outstanding spell by removing Nicholas Pooran, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 26.

With the match finely balanced, Vince kept MI London's hopes alive with a brilliant 66 off 38 balls. However, Ravindra delivered another decisive moment, producing a superb caught-and-bowled effort to dismiss the MI London captain.

Sherfane Rutherford fought back with an unbeaten 24 off 18 deliveries, but Welsh Fire's bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages. Ferguson returned to clean up Tom Curran, sealing a crucial 15-run victory and Welsh Fire's second win of the campaign.

Named the Meerkat Match Hero, Ravindra praised his team's performance after the match.