The cricket calendar on 22 August 2025 brings fans two unmissable fixtures. In The Hundred men’s competition, Birmingham Phoenix take on Welsh Fire at Edgbaston in a late-night thriller for Indian viewers. Meanwhile, in the international circuit, Australia face South Africa in the second ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay. Both games carry weight—The Hundred clash influencing playoff positions, while the ODI sees Australia fighting to level the series after a shaky start.

Match 1: Birmingham Phoenix vs Welsh Fire – The Hundred Men

• Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

• Time (IST): 11:00 PM

Last Match Performance
Birmingham Phoenix are riding a wave of consistency in The Hundred 2025, sitting comfortably in the table after back-to-back strong showings. Their batting depth and disciplined bowling have kept them ahead of rivals.

Welsh Fire, in contrast, have had a tough campaign, struggling to find momentum. With only a couple of wins under their belt, they need a spark to turn their season around.

Players to Watch

• Birmingham Phoenix: Liam Livingstone has been the team’s batting pillar, combining power hitting with all-round contributions. Adam Milne and Tim Southee bring pace and experience to the bowling attack.

• Welsh Fire: Steve Smith, the marquee international signing, will be crucial in stabilising the middle order. Matt Henry’s pace and Chris Green’s versatility offer Fire much-needed balance.

Outlook
Phoenix look the stronger side on paper and form, but Welsh Fire’s international talent makes them dangerous opponents capable of springing an upset.

Match 2: Australia vs South Africa – ODI

• Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay

• Time (IST): 10:00 AM

Last Match Performance
South Africa stunned Australia in the series opener with a commanding 98-run victory. Their batting unit fired as Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Matthew Breetzke delivered crucial runs. Keshav Maharaj then ripped through the Australian lineup with decisive spin, exposing the home side’s vulnerability against slow bowling.

Australia, bowled out for just 198, will be desperate to bounce back. Their batting unit looked unsettled, and despite efforts from the middle order, they couldn’t withstand the South African attack. This second ODI becomes a must-win for the hosts to stay alive in the series.

Players to Watch

• South Africa: Keshav Maharaj’s spin is the biggest weapon, while Markram and Breetzke provide batting firepower. Kagiso Rabada’s pace also adds potency to their bowling.

• Australia: Captain Mitchell Marsh must lead from the front. Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green will be key in stabilising the middle order, while Pat Cummins’ bowling could swing momentum in their favour.

Outlook
South Africa carry confidence into Mackay, but Australia have the talent to fight back, especially in home conditions. Expect a spirited response from the Aussies as they aim to level the series.

Conclusion

On 22 August 2025, cricket fans are set for an action-packed day. Birmingham Phoenix aim to tighten their grip on The Hundred standings, while Welsh Fire fight to keep their season alive. Across the globe in Mackay, South Africa look to clinch the ODI series, while Australia face the challenge of regrouping quickly after a heavy defeat. With star players on both sides and high stakes in each contest, fans can expect explosive cricket, tactical battles, and plenty of drama.

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