Postpublished at 19:52 British Summer Time 13 August 2022
Fire's game to lose?
Summary
Fire fall five runs short after failing to score 11 from final set
Richardson & Helm star with two wickets apiece
Phoenix recover from slow start to post 130-7
Cameos from Wade & Howell drag Phoenix to respectable score
Postpublished at 19:52 British Summer Time 13 August 2022
Welsh Fire 40-2published at 75 balls to go
Banton 15, Duckett 1
Cheers are reverberating around Sophia Gardens and I'm unsure whether it's about the batting or the beach ball. I'm gonna say both because there is some beautiful hitting here from Banton.
Postpublished at 19:48 British Summer Time 13 August 2022
Carlos Brathwaite
West Indies all-rounder on BBC radio
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyI really wanted to see Sam Hain go on and get a big score, that is a shame. He will be annoyed with that.
It hasn't always been easy to time the ball on this pitch.
WICKETpublished at 19:46 British Summer Time 13 August 2022
Hain b Helm 23 (Welsh Fire 28-2)
He's played on there and the disappointed was etched on his face. That's the worst kind of death rattle and you always blame yourself for those.
Welsh Fire 24-1published at 20 Balls
Banton 5, Hain 19
We saw Brookes with that incredible 5fer the other night (and yes he was robbed of the player of the match in my eyes. BOWLERS UNION!) but he's just been whacked back past a flailing arm by Hain.
Welsh Fire 15 - 1published at 15 Balls
Banton 1, Hain 14
Phoenix have got the squeeze on here but Hain looks in good touch. The team in red are going at a run a ball right now.
Postpublished at 19:39 British Summer Time 13 August 2022
Carlos Brathwaite
West Indies all-rounder on BBC radioA low total can make you play differently. You've still got to be proactive and look to attack.
Welsh Fire 7-1published at 10 Balls
Banton 0, Hain 7
It's been a great start by the Phoenix and it needed to be. But we know what Hain can do.
Postpublished at 19:36 British Summer Time 13 August 2022
Charlie Taylor
BBC RadioSam Hain is a man for a crisis. He can transform a game.
Fire 6-1published at 8 Balls
Target 131
Hain isn't phased by the scoreboard. He scoops Helm over his shoulder for a monster six and then charges down the wicket. Albeit it was a massive swing and a miss but still - the intent is there.
Welsh Fire 0 -1published at 5 Balls
Banton 0, Hain 0
Are we calling that a wicket-maiden or an empty five?
5 balls. No runs. One wicket. Phwoar!
Postpublished at 19:33 British Summer Time 13 August 2022
Carlos Brathwaite
West Indies all-rounder on BBC radioThat is a great catch. It was wide of the off stump and absolutely slapped but he's timed the dive perfectly.
WICKETpublished at 2 Balls
Clarke c Smeed b Richardson 0 (Welsh Fire 0-1)
Talk about a dream start! Great catch diving to his right and a wry smile/ faux gasp from the bowler.
This could be interesting...
Postpublished at 19:30 British Summer Time 13 August 2022
Carlos Brathwaite
West Indies all-rounder on BBC radio
Image source, Getty ImagesIt will be interesting to see how crucial that last-ball six was.
I think 130 is just enough to give Birmingham a chance.
Welsh Fire chasing their first winpublished at 19:30 British Summer Time 13 August 2022
Fire need 131 to win
The team in red are yet to win a game in this year's tournament and a loss today would be almost the final nail in the coffin if they hope to make the top three.
But the platform is set. The players are ready. The fireworks are off. The chase is on.
The celebration manpublished at 19:30 British Summer Time 13 August 2022
Rumour has it that Imran Tahir has had to be lassoo'd from his celebrations as he's still running around the ground following his hat-trick last year.
His hair is in a bun and he looks ready to go.
Media caption, The Hundred: Imran Tahir's sensational hat-trick for Birmingham Phoenix v Welsh Fire
A very different day for the history-makerpublished at 19:26 British Summer Time 13 August 2022
Will Smeed scored the first Hundred hundred just a couple of nights ago and today failed to post a score. Cricket is a very strange game isn't it?
Postpublished at 19:22 British Summer Time 13 August 2022
Tom Abell
Somerset all-rounder on BBC radioBirmingham Phoenix have a great bowling attack. So we'll have to see.
Phoenix recover to post 130 from their 100published at 19:21 British Summer Time 13 August 2022
Cheers Sam. That was quite something wasn't it?
The Welsh crowd are having a great afternoon/evening. They're doing their bit to preserve water by consuming beer instead I think.
After an abysmal start, Phoenix clawed it back and finished with a flourishing six.
George Scrimshaw, I think I need to grow a moustache if I'm going to improve my bowling.
Who's ready for the final 100 balls of a blockbuster day.
Georgie here to see you through. In the wise words of Britney Spears: "Bring the Action"
Postpublished at 19:19 British Summer Time 13 August 2022
Right then, after all of that, it's time to let Georgie Heath take over and see you through the Fire chase.
The home side may not get a better chance to register their first win of the tournament.