Under the Headingley lights and in front of a lively home crowd, Northern Superchargers opened The Hundred 2025 with a performance that combined control, composure, and authority. Zak Crawley’s unbeaten 67 anchored a smooth chase, but it was the disciplined bowling — led by Imad Wasim — that set up an eight-wicket win over Welsh Fire.
Welsh Fire Start Strong, Then Falter
Put in to bat, Welsh Fire began with intent. Jonny Bairstow and Steve Smith looked assured from the first ball, driving fluently and putting away anything loose. Their 62-run opening stand hinted at a total well beyond 160.
But momentum shifted quickly. Matthew Potts broke through with Bairstow’s wicket — a length ball angled in that was chipped to midwicket — and suddenly the innings lost shape. What followed was a collapse: 9 wickets for 81 runs, the scoreboard stalling at 143 for 9.
Imad’s Impact and the Bowling Unit’s Control
Returning to The Hundred, Imad Wasim’s spell was a masterclass in variation. He removed Smith with a cleverly disguised slower ball and kept the scoring in check with pinpoint accuracy, ending with 2 for 19 from 20 balls.
Mohammad Amir offered control from the other end, conceding just 22 runs, while Adil Rashid’s craft in the middle overs forced false strokes and kept the pressure high. These weren’t headline-grabbing spells, but they were the kind that turn matches quietly and decisively.
Crawley’s Command in the Chase
Chasing 144 under lights can bring pressure if early wickets fall, but Crawley never allowed it to take hold. His unbeaten 67 from 38 balls was measured and precise — timing drives through cover, working the ball into gaps, and punishing anything short.
Dawid Malan’s 33 provided steady support in a 91-run opening stand that removed all urgency from the chase. The scoreboard ticked over without risk, a hallmark of calculated batting.
Brook Finishes in Style
Captain Harry Brook entered with the job nearly done, yet still added flair. His first ball disappeared over long-on, and he finished 25 not out from 15 deliveries, sealing the win with 11 balls to spare.
Final Scorecard:
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Welsh Fire: 143/9 (100 balls)
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Northern Superchargers: 147/2 (89 balls)
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Result: Superchargers won by 8 wickets
A Statement of Intent
This was not a victory built on one performance. Crawley’s innings will take the spotlight, but the calm precision of Imad, Rashid, and Amir in the middle overs was equally decisive.
For Welsh Fire, the lesson is clear: early momentum must be converted into sustained pressure, especially in the middle phase of a Hundred innings.
For Northern Superchargers, this was an opening performance that blended control with conviction. If they can maintain this level, The Hundred 2025 may have found its early title contenders.
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