Welsh Fire miss out on Hundred play-offs again despite improved season

Welsh Fire's search for a first Hundred title continues after both the men's and women's teams missed out on this year's play-offs, despite showing improvement on their last-place finishes in 2025. Neither side finished in the top three needed to reach Friday's Eliminator at the Oval.

The Cardiff-based franchise remains the worst-performing side in the competition's history, with the men's team yet to reach the play-offs at all. Since tech billionaire Sanjay Govil took ownership, there had been quiet optimism about a first taste of success, but that will have to wait beyond 2026.

Women's side finish fifth

Michael Klinger's women's team secured a 15-run win over London Spirit at Sophia Gardens to finish fifth overall. Despite looking a much-improved side, three defeats in their opening four matches and the loss of captain Sophie Devine, one of the tournament's most expensive signings, ended their play-off hopes early. Replacement captain Georgia Wareham led the team to three wins in their final four games and said she had enjoyed her time in Cardiff, praising fans who kept turning out even after the side was eliminated.

Men's side falls short again

The men's team also failed to advance, effectively eliminated after Manchester Super Giants beat Leeds Sunrisers in midweek, leaving them needing a huge margin of victory in their final match. Chasing a target of 132, Welsh Fire fell six runs short against London Spirit. Former England international Chris Woakes said the gap between his side and the top teams was only a couple of wins, and expressed hope the squad's core could be kept together for next season.

Supporters, meanwhile, have called for greater squad continuity and stronger recruitment, hoping that if not 2026, then 2027 might finally bring Welsh Fire their breakthrough.