Tom Mallows
BBC Sport cricket writer

Northern Superchargers kept their hopes of reaching the Hundred eliminator alive with a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Welsh Fire in Cardiff.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Fire limped to 114-4 with Ben Duckett top-scoring with 64 from 48 balls.

Adam Lyth then smashed 47 from 34 balls, with fellow opener and captain Faf de Plessis adding 32 from 24 as Superchargers made light work of the run chase.

With victory inevitable, David Willey could even afford to score just one run from his first six balls before smashing a four off David Payne to seal the win with nine balls to spare.

The win means Northern Superchargers move up to sixth in the table and are now one of four teams on six points. They will need to win their final game and hope other results go their way if they are to reach the eliminator.

Welsh Fire’s miserable tournament continues as they sit rock bottom with seven defeats from seven.

Here's what else happened:

• It took 19 balls for Welsh Fire to hit their first four of the innings as they struggled to 22-1 during the powerplay.
• Duckett put on 61 with Leus du Plooy to lead something of a recovery after Fire were reduced to 53-4.

• Lyth has now hit 19 sixes in seven innings so far this tournament, four more than any other player.

What’s next?

Welsh Fire travel to Trent Rockets on Monday for their final game of the competition (19:00 BST).

Northern Superchargers’ final group game is against Southern Brave at Headingley on Wednesday (15:00).

Northern Superchargers captain Faf du Plessis speaking to Sky Sports: "It's always a little bit easier when you've got a tempo to go at.

"Lyth is in good form at the minute but it was probably better batting second and a really good chase in the end.

"He's just very clear in what he wants to do. He's got enough options to hit the ball to leg side or off-side.

"The chat between us was that in the first over to see what the pitch was like and when we got that information that's when Lyth went. Welsh Fire needed to take four or five wickets at the start to be in the game.

"I don't think there was that many fours or sixes because of the pitch but as professional cricketers you have adopt."

The win puts the Superchargers on six points, a clutch of other teams are scrapping it out in the same position which means there really is everything to play for in the final few matches.

The battle for third place and a spot in the eliminator match really is hotting up.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Match hero Adam Lyth, who struck 47 off 34, speaking to Sky Sports: "I'm very pleased to get the win there. I'd like to have got a few more to help the team get over the line a bit quicker but I'm very happy with the win.

"I thought the bowlers were excellent. Then me and Faf [du Plussis] put on a good opening partnership and then the lads finished it off.

"There was a bit of dew [late on]. We definitely got the best of the conditions.

"It was nice to get the win and we've got one more game to go and hopefully we get the win."

It was a straightforward win for the Superchargers, the Fire innings never really ignited despite Duckett's best efforts, his 64 was in vain as a target of 115 never looked challenging.

In reply, Lyth set off like a train and his brisk 47 off 34 balls set up the win, he deservedly ends up as player of the match. A crucial win for the Superchargers in the context of the tournament.

Nikesh Rughani
BBC Radio

Victory finally for the Superchargers. As for the Welsh Fire the search for victory still goes on.

Willey eventually hits the winning runs, he cuts for four off Payne and that's the game!

David Willey oddly blocks out most of the set and there are still three runs needed to win.

It's Ball back on as the Superchargers are on the brink of victory.

Nikesh Rughani
BBC Radio

Critchley gets his man in the end! He's used the conditions today really well.

Just eight runs needed to secure the win and plenty of balls to get there. Critchley is back on for what could well be the last set of five.

Tom Abell
Somerset all-rounder on BBC radio

Welsh Fire have been inconsistent this year but you look at their team and think they should be higher up that ladder than they are.

Superchargers 104-2published at 24 balls left

24 balls left

Wiese pulls Payne for six, he clearly wants to finish things off in a hurry.

Tom Abell
Somerset all-rounder on BBC radio

Zero chance of a Welsh Fire win. The game drifted away in the power play and it's been Superchargers all day.

Both Brook and Wiese look to rotate the strike against Jake Ball, he's called for a no-ball based on height but there's no damage done as the next ball goes for a single.

17 more runs needed to win.

Nikesh Rughani
BBC Radio

As good as Superchargers have been that's as bad as Welsh Fire have been, that's fair to say.

The game is heading to an inevitable conclusion, there's a brief flutter due to a run out chance but the batter was well home.