Two of the biggest names in world white ball cricket will go head to head at Edgbaston in June when Birmingham Bears face Worcestershire Rapids in the Vitality Blast.
The power and skill of Carlos Brathwaite and Moeen Ali have lit up cricket grounds around the globe at the very top level.
Bears skipper Brathwaite is a T20 World Cup winner with West Indies while Rapids star Ali was part of the England squad that powered its way to the 50-over World Cup crown in 2019.
Now the pair are set to face each other in the Bears v Pears cauldron for the first time, at Worcester on June 3 and then in a potentially crucial clash at Edgbaston on June 24.
Both sides have plenty of potential match-winners in their ranks but will look to their big name all-rounders for match-shaping contributions.
Brathwaite will be looking to add to the 139 sixes he has smashed in T20 cricket around the world. Birmingham-born Ali, meanwhile will be striving to add to his brilliant record at his former home ground Edgbaston where his last two Blast appearances have brought him a combined 200 runs from 102 balls.
The June 24 showdown in Birmingham will unfold amid a fantastic atmosphere at Edgbaston with the Hollies Stand in full cry – just the sort of pulsating occasion that brings the best out of the best players.
“I know the Bears fans love the Blast and I absolutely share that feeling,” Brathwaite said. “I can’t wait for the tournament to begin and to have the big crowd behind us at Edgbaston at the Rapids game, which could be so crucial near the end of the group, will be really special.”
A record number of fans have already secured their tickets for the fixture between the Bears and Worcestershire Rapids at Edgbaston within the first 48 hours of the T20 priority window. You can also can priority access immediately by registering for free online at edgbaston.com/bears.
