BIRMINGHAM — Ed Barnard delivered a match-winning performance as Birmingham Bears stunned T20 Blast North Group leaders Lancashire Lightning by five wickets in a thrilling encounter at Edgbaston. The victory keeps the Bears' playoff hopes alive while handing Lancashire their second defeat of the campaign.
Barnard, who scored an unbeaten 41 off 28 balls and took 2-22 with the ball, was named Player of the Match. His composed innings guided the Bears to their target of 156 with seven balls to spare. "It's always special to contribute with both bat and ball," Barnard said post-match. "We knew Lancashire were strong, but we backed our skills under pressure."
North Group: Bears Outclass Lightning
Lancashire, who had won six of their previous seven matches, posted 155/8 after being put in to bat. Luke Wells top-scored with 39, but the Bears' bowlers kept the visitors in check with disciplined spells:
- Dan Mousley: 2-19 (4 overs)
- Jake Lintott: 1-22 (4 overs)
- Hasan Ali: 1-30 (4 overs)
In reply, the Bears lost early wickets but recovered through a 63-run partnership between Barnard and Sam Hain (34). Lancashire skipper Liam Livingstone rotated his bowlers aggressively but couldn't prevent the Bears from clinching a crucial win. "We didn't get enough runs," admitted Livingstone. "Credit to Birmingham—they bowled well and Barnard played a gem."
South Group: Surrey Extend Dominance
In the South Group, Surrey maintained their position at the top with a comfortable 29-run win over Gloucestershire at the Oval. Opener Laurie Evans smashed 78 off 43 balls, including six sixes, as Surrey posted 198/6. In response, Gloucestershire managed 169/9 despite Miles Hammond's 54.
Key Performances:
- Laurie Evans: 78 (43 balls, 6 sixes)
- Sunil Narine: 3-24 (4 overs)
- Gus Atkinson: 2-31 (4 overs)
Surrey's coach Gareth Batty praised his team's consistency: "We're building momentum at the right time. Laurie was exceptional, and the bowlers executed their plans perfectly."
Hampshire, Kent Keep Pressure On
Hampshire Hawks kept pace with Surrey by defeating Sussex Sharks by 18 runs. James Vince's 65 and a fiery spell from Nathan Ellis (3-20) sealed the win. Meanwhile, Kent Spitfires edged past Essex Eagles in a last-over thriller, with Daniel Bell-Drummond's 72* proving decisive.
Kent's victory was particularly dramatic, requiring 12 off the final over. Bell-Drummond hit two boundaries to secure the win with two balls to spare. "I backed myself to finish it," he said. "These are the moments you train for."
Playoff Picture Taking Shape
With the group stage nearing its climax, the playoff race is intensifying. In the North Group, Lancashire (12 points) remain favorites, but Birmingham (10 points) and Notts Outlaws (10 points) are closing in. The South Group sees Surrey (14 points) leading, followed by Hampshire (12 points) and Kent (10 points).
Key upcoming fixtures:
- Lancashire vs. Yorkshire (June 28)
- Surrey vs. Hampshire (June 29)
- Birmingham vs. Notts (June 30)
The Bears' win over Lancashire has added intrigue to the North Group, while Surrey's dominance in the South makes them the team to beat. As the tournament enters its final stretch, every match could prove decisive in the race for Finals Day at Edgbaston on July 15.
Reflecting on the Bears' resurgence, captain Carlos Brathwaite said: "We've shown we can compete with anyone. If we keep this intensity, we'll be hard to stop." With thrilling contests and standout performances, the T20 Blast continues to deliver high-octane entertainment.