Worcestershire Rapids Upset Birmingham Bears in Vitality Blast Thriller

Worcestershire Rapids stunned Birmingham Bears, the leaders of the Vitality Blast North Group, with a dominant 55-run victory in a rain-shortened 17-over-per-side match at Edgbaston.

The Rapids' innings was ignited by Kashif Ali's blistering 46 off 30 deliveries, which included an audacious six over mid-wicket off George Garton. Ali shared a 56-run partnership with Josh Cobb before departing to a wide long hop from Moeen Ali.

Matthew Waite provided a spectacular conclusion to the Rapids' innings, smashing 34 runs off Garton's final over, including six consecutive boundaries. Waite's late heroics propelled the Rapids to a formidable total of 187 for 6.

The Bears' chase was derailed from the outset as they lost both openers for ducks. Tom Taylor's inswinging delivery bowled Alex Davies, while Rob Yates spooned a catch to Josh Cobb. Dan Mousley's valiant 68 off 44 balls proved insufficient as the Bears' middle order crumbled.

Waite continued his impressive performance with the ball, claiming four wickets for 29 runs. Taylor also contributed with three wickets for 27 runs, leaving the Bears reeling at 132 all out in 15.2 overs.

The Rapids' victory keeps their slim hopes of knockout stage qualification alive, while the Bears' third defeat in 11 games leaves them with work to do to secure a home quarter-final.

Tags: #VitalityBlast, #Cricket, #WorcestershireRapids, #BirminghamBears, #KashifAli