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July 2010: Barker hat-trick sinks Vikings

The Bears’ charge to the NatWestT20Blast knockout stage was already full of momentum when the Vikings sailed into Edgbaston in 2010.

And the visitors were well and truly scuttled by the bowling skills of spin-pair Imran Tahir and Ant Botha, allied to the deadly left-arm swing of Keith Barker.

The Bears bowlers had their work cut out to defend a moderate total of 145. The batsmen had found the going tough before late impetus was provided by Rikki Clarke (39 from 29 balls) and Chris Woakes (27 from 12). The 22 runs which Woakes helped gather from the last ten balls turned out to be crucial in a 14-run win.

Yorkshire’s reply moved smoothly to 41 for one from 28 balls but then succumbed to those bowling skills. Big guns Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Rudolph fell to Barker and Tahir respectively and Adam Lyth became the only player in T20 history to be dismissed ‘hit wicket Piolet.’

The innings was brought almost to a standstill by Tahir (4-0-17-2) and Botha (4-0-18-2) before Barker administered by killer thrust. The former Lancashire player ended the Yorkshire innings, and the match, by dismissing Richard Pyrah, Clint McKay and David Wainwright with successive balls. ‘Death bowling’ at its best!

This Friday Night – Bears vs Vikings at Edgbaston

The Bears take on the star studded Yorkshire Vikings at Edgbaston. Gates open at 5.00pm and what’s more, there is a Real Ale Festival with 50 different beers, ales and ciders, including some well know favourites and the new Birmingham Bears Ale. Entry is completely FREE with a match day ticket. To kick off your Friday night in style, we also have a live band straight after play so avoid the queues, grab a drink a join us!

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