Birmingham Bears qualified for next week’s Vitality Blast quarter-finals by defending a 239 target in a run-fest against fellow challengers Yorkshire Vikings at Headingley.
Birmingham’s 238 for five was the fourth highest total in this season’s Blast – they also hold the highest, 261 for two v Notts – and included 81 in 41 balls for Ireland opener Paul Stirling and a late career best 63 not out off 25 for Dan Mousley, who also claimed a wicket with his off-spin.
