Cricket Prediction | OI vs WF | The Hundred 2025 | 16th Match | Aug 16 – Can WF Avoid Early Elimination?

OI vs WF Match Analysis

London’s cricket heartbeat will pound faster when Oval Invincibles and Welsh Fire collide in the 16th Men’s Hundred clash. The match will start at 6:00 PM BST, making it an evening contest under potentially pleasant summer skies. 

The champions aren’t just defending their crown; they’ve sharpened the edges for anyone daring to grab it. Led by Sam Billings, the team boasts a blend of experienced internationals and promising talents. 

Welsh Fire enters the 2025 season with a refreshed lineup, including the addition of former Australia captain Steve Smith. The team aims to improve upon their previous seasons and challenge the top contenders. 

Oval Invincibles vs Welsh Fire Team Preview & Squads

Oval Invincibles

In Billings’ captaincy, patience isn’t passive—it’s the silent weapon that wins battles. His experience in various formats brings stability to the team. Under his leadership, the Invincibles have consistently performed well in high-pressure situations.

The OI combine aggressive top-order hitting with consistent scoring, while Jacks and Muyeye strengthen the middle order. Their knack for boosting the scoring rate in the final overs is one of their main strengths.

With the inclusion of Rashid Khan and the Curran brothers, the Invincibles possess a formidable bowling attack. Their pace and spin options allow for tactical versatility. The team’s bowlers have consistently maintained pressure, restricting opposition scoring opportunities.

In their previous encounter against Birmingham Phoenix on August 12, 2025, the Invincibles posted a total of 180/8. Despite a strong effort, they fell short as the Phoenix chased down the target, winning by 4 wickets with 2 balls remaining. This close contest highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in closing out matches.

Oval Invincibles Squad

Oval Invincibles

Sam Billings (C, Wk), Gus Atkinson, Jason Behrendorff, Jordan Clark, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Donovan Ferreira, Miles Hammond, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Tawanda Muyeye, Rashid Khan, George Scrimshaw, Nathan Sowter, Zafar Gohar.

Welsh Fire

Tom Abell leads WF with a focus on aggressive play and team cohesion. His leadership is characterized by adaptability and a proactive approach to challenges. Abell’s experience in various formats adds valuable insight to the team’s strategy.

Welsh Fire’s batting card reads like a list of plot twists no bowler wants to see. Steve Smith strengthens the middle order with his experience, while their collective ability to rotate strike and attack in the death overs remains essential.

The Fire’s bowling attack is spearheaded by Matt Henry and supported by versatile bowlers like Chris Green. The inclusion of Ajeet Singh Dale adds variety to their bowling options.

In their recent match against Manchester Originals on August 13, 2025, WF set a target of 138/8. Their bowlers successfully defended the total, restricting the Originals to 112 and securing a 25-run victory. This performance demonstrated their capability to defend modest totals effectively.

Welsh Fire Squad

Welsh Fire

Tom Abell (C), Jonny Bairstow (Wk), Mason Crane, Ajeet Singh Dale, Stephen Eskinazi, Chris Green, Matt Henry, Josh Hull, Ben Kellaway, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Riley Meredith, David Payne, Steven Smith, Paul Walter, Luke Wells, Saif Zaib.

OI vs WF Outfield Report

Expect a balanced pitch at Kennington Oval, offering early assistance to seamers, while conditions improve for batsmen as the innings unfolds. Spin could be pivotal during the middle overs.

The weather forecast for London on August 16, 2025, indicates a warm day with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F). Clear skies and minimal chance of rain are expected, providing ideal conditions for a full 100-ball match.

Historically, the Oval has seen high-scoring matches, with teams often posting totals exceeding 160 when batting first. Chasing teams have also found success, with the average successful chase being around 140. 

Oval Invincibles vs Welsh Fire Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

Over the last five meetings, the Oval Invincibles claimed victory on four occasions. The Invincibles have consistently outperformed the Fire, showcasing superior batting and bowling performances in these contests.

OI vs WF Prediction

According to cricket analysts Oval Invincibles have a 57% chance of Winning.