Birmingham Bears took a big stride towards qualification for the Vitality Blast quarter finals with a thrilling six-wicket win over Northants Steelbacks at Northampton.

Birmingham Bears took a big stride towards qualification for the Vitality Blast quarter finals with a thrilling six-wicket win over Northants Steelbacks at Northampton.

The Steelbacks, having chosen to take first use of excellent batting conditions, totalled a hefty 211 for six thanks to Saif Zaib (74 from 32 balls) and Chris Lynn (59 from 43). Some serious flak flew and the Bears didn’t help themselves with dropped catches, including Zaib on 12.

A measure of control was imposed by Olly Stone (one for 33) and Jake Lintott (two for 39), however, and their skills proved crucial as the Bears raced to 213 for four with seven balls to spare.