Lancashire Lightning Extend Unbeaten Streak at Emirates Old Trafford

Lancashire Lightning maintained their dominance at Emirates Old Trafford, extending their unbeaten streak to 23 group fixtures with an eight-run victory over Birmingham Bears in the Vitality Blast North Group.

Luke Wells played a pivotal role for Lightning, smashing a career-best-equalling 66 off 32 balls to set the tone for their innings. His blistering knock included five early sixes, giving Lancashire a much-needed boost on a sluggish pitch.

Wells' fireworks were complemented by a solid 59 from Sam Hain for the Bears. However, the Lightning bowlers, led by Wells' 2 for 25, kept the visitors in check, restricting them to 168 for 6 in reply to Lancashire's 176 for 8.

The Bears' chase got off to a shaky start as Mitchell Stanley and Luke Wood removed openers Alex Davies and Rob Yates cheaply. Chris Benjamin's dismissal to Wells' legspinners further dented their hopes.

Hain and Jacob Bethell provided some resistance with a 62-run partnership, but Wells' second wicket and a brilliant run-out by George Garton put the Bears on the back foot.

Despite Hain's valiant effort, the Lightning bowlers held their nerve in the final overs, with Saqib Mahmood defending 24 off the last to secure the victory.

Lancashire's triumph keeps them atop the North Group standings, while the Bears remain in contention despite their first loss of the campaign.

Tags: #VitalityBlast, #LancashireLightning, #BirminghamBears, #LukeWells, #T20Cricket