Crawley leads Northern Superchargers to dominant win over Welsh Fire in The Hundred

Zak Crawley delivered a standout performance at Headingley, scoring an unbeaten 67 to guide Andrew Flintoff’s Northern Superchargers to a dominant eight-wicket win over Welsh Fire.

Crawley, who struck five boundaries and four sixes in a lively 37-ball knock, helped secure a double win for the Superchargers on their opening day in the Hundred, following a victory earlier by their women’s side.

He finished the match alongside team captain Harry Brook, another England international, who hit the winning runs. Earlier, Welsh Fire had a strong start with Jonny Bairstow and Steve Smith putting together 62 runs for the first wicket, despite being met with boos from the Headingley crowd.

However, once Smith was bowled by Matthew Potts, the Fire innings lost momentum. They struggled their way to 143 for 9 from their 100 balls.

In response, Crawley, Dawid Malan (41), and Brook (25 not out) chased down the target with ease, reaching the total with 11 balls to spare. Brook made an immediate impact, launching a six from his very first ball and energizing the home supporters, who now have high hopes for the season.

Speaking after the match, Crawley praised the atmosphere and conditions:”I loved it. The boys are great, and coming here with Freddie [Flintoff] – the guy’s a legend. It’s a great place to play your cricket and an awesome wicket to bat on, so I loved it.”

He added that he and Malan worked well together, playing to different areas, and credited Brook’s finishing ability. Crawley also applauded the Superchargers’ bowling unit for keeping Welsh Fire to a manageable total by regularly taking wickets, which had been their strategy from the start.