Jonny Bairstow has been the Fire’s top scorer in three of their five matches
Bairstow has 200 runs in five innings, 104 more than his nearest colleague
Recommended bet: Jonny Bairstow — Welsh Fire Top Run Scorer
Birmingham Phoenix welcome Welsh Fire to Edgbaston in The Hundred on Friday, with the hosts aiming for a third win out of six.
The Phoenix need a win to keep any realistic hopes of making it into the top three alive, but will have to get past an on-fire Jonny Bairstow to do so.
The latest Birmingham Phoenix vs Welsh Fire odds are available at LiveScore
Team News
Birmingham approach this clash as favourites after their victory over London Spirit kept their hopes of reaching the Eliminator alive.
That seven-wicket win offered signs of improvement, yet the equation remains simple. Only a win against rock-bottom Welsh Fire will keep Phoenix in realistic contention.
For the Fire, it has been a campaign to forget. With just one victory from five matches, they sit rooted to the bottom of the table and are playing solely for pride.
Phoenix are expected to stick with the same XI that has taken to the field in their last two matches for this must-win contest.
Fire captain Tom Abell returned to the side in their previous outing after missing the match before and despite disappointing with the bat, the skipper is set to continue.
Riley Meredith is also in line for a recall after being left out of the last two games.
The stats
Birmingham have picked up two wins from five matches, with both victories coming on home soil at Edgbaston.
The Phoenix have been led with the bat by Liam Livingstone, who has amassed 211 runs at an average of 70.33.
Welsh Fire have endured a difficult campaign with just one win from their five league fixtures.
Jonny Bairstow has scored 200 runs to lead his side’s batting charts.
Riley Meredith has impressed with the ball for the Fire, claiming seven wickets in only three appearances.
The latest Birmingham Phoenix vs Welsh Fire odds are available at LiveScore
Prediction
Birmingham know that nothing less than victory will do if they are to stay in the hunt for a top-three finish and a place in the finals.
Defeat would all but end their campaign, leaving them adrift in the table with just two matches to play, but victory at Edgbaston would keep hopes alive for Livingstone’s side.
Both of Phoenix’s wins this season have come on home turf, and with bottom club Welsh Fire the visitors, Birmingham will be confident of collecting another four points.
Livingstone has led from the front with 211 runs and his form will again be pivotal if his side are going to reach the Eliminator.
For Welsh Fire, Bairstow has carried the batting almost single-handedly. He has scored 200 runs in five innings, more than double the next best in his side, and looks the most likely candidate to top score again.
While his efforts may again be in vain, the Englishman can at least continue his fine form with the bat.
Back Jonny Bairstow to be the Welsh Fire top run scorer at 11/4 with LiveScore Bet
