Birmingham Bears continued their impressive run in the Vitality Blast, securing a thrilling four-run victory over Yorkshire Vikings at Headingley. Sam Hain's blistering 98 off 48 balls propelled the Bears to a formidable 214 for 7, setting the stage for a high-scoring encounter.
Hain's innings was a masterclass in power hitting, with eight towering sixes that propelled the Bears to a commanding total. Yorkshire's chase got off to a promising start, with Dawid Malan and Donovan Ferreira contributing half-centuries. However, the Bears' bowlers, led by George Garton, held their nerve in the closing stages to secure the victory.
The Bears' innings was kickstarted by a brisk 43 from captain Alex Davies, who later left the field with a finger injury. Hain took center stage, smashing three leg-side sixes to reach his fifty off just 34 balls. He continued his onslaught, looking poised for a second T20 century before being dismissed on 98.
Yorkshire's chase began with a setback as Dan Moriarty bowled Ed Barnard with the first ball. However, Malan and James Wharton steadied the innings with a 62-run partnership. Malan reached his fifty off 38 balls, while Ferreira's explosive 66 off 32 balls kept Yorkshire in the hunt.
With 18 runs required off the last two overs, Ferreira's dismissal proved crucial. Garton then defended 11 off the last over, including six off the final ball, to seal the victory for the Bears.
Hain's fourth fifty of the tournament propelled him to the top of the Blast runs chart, while Garton's heroics in the final over showcased the Bears' resilience. The victory marked Birmingham's fifth consecutive win, solidifying their position in the quarter-final race.
Tags: #VitalityBlast, #BirminghamBears, #YorkshireVikings, #SamHain, #DawidMalan
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