Bears v Rapids at Edgbaston 2023: Vitality Blast T20

Edgbaston played host to the Bears v Rapids T20 Blast derby match, a top of the table clash which featured some incredible cricket and superb Wyatt Suite hospitality in the company of former England fast bowler Devon Malcolm.

Devon was a terrific guest as he talked about his time as an England international and one of the fastest bowlers on the planet, his county exploits with Derbyshire and a look to the Ashes Summer, as well as the match on the day.

The Birmingham Bears were put into bat first, started strongly and continued it throughout the innings, posting an imposing total of 228-4, with half-centuries from Rob Yates and Dan Mousley, backed up by a quick-fire 44 from Glenn Maxwell.

The Worcestershire Rapids started brightly in response reaching 48 before losing their first wicket. A half-century from Mitchell Santner kept them in the game but wickets kept falling and their task became more and more difficult as the innings progressed. Ultimately, they couldn’t keep up with the run rate reaching 175-9 at the end of their 20 overs.

The result of this Bears v Rapids encounter meant that the Birmingham Bears have qualified for the quarter-finals after 12 matches and one more win will get them a home tie. For the Worcestershire Rapids they remain in the thick of the qualification race.