Bethell’s Record-Breaking Half-Century Powers Birmingham Bears to a Dominant Win

Jacob Bethell shattered records with the second-fastest half-century in the 22-year history of English domestic T20 cricket, leading Birmingham Bears to a decisive 90-run victory over Northants Steelbacks. His blistering 56 off just 16 balls at Edgbaston set a new ground record and became the fastest fifty ever by a Bears player. He fell just one ball short of matching the all-time competition record set by Gerard Brophy for Yorkshire against Derbyshire in 2006.

Despite this, Lancashire Lightning remain atop the North Group standings due to a superior run rate, even after suffering their third defeat in the competition to Yorkshire in the cross-Pennines derby.

In the South Group, Surrey climbed back to the top by extending Middlesex’s streak of T20 home defeats to thirteen, a losing run stretching over two years.

North Group Highlights: Bethell's Explosive Batting Steals the Show

Birmingham Bears set a season-high total of 219-4, thanks to an explosive start from Ed Barnard, who achieved a T20 personal best of 48, and solid support from captain Alex Davies (36) in an 80-run opening partnership. Dan Mousley’s 43 off 29 balls set the stage for Bethell's spectacular finish, described by BBC Radio WM’s Richard Wilford as a "half-century from another world."

Reflecting on his performance, Bethell told BBC Radio WM that he focused on watching the ball and hitting it, emphasising the benefits of his rigorous winter training in building his confidence.

Northants struggled against the Bears' bowling, collapsing to 129-9 after early strikes from Richard Gleeson, who maintained an economy rate of under five runs per over in the competition. However, Gleeson’s side strain, coming ahead of the Midlands derby against Worcester, posed a challenge for the Bears, especially with Chris Woakes rested.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire set a competitive total of 173-8 against Lancashire, bolstered by a 104-run partnership between Shan Masood (61) and former England captain Joe Root (43). Lancashire, despite a strong start, faltered from 67-2 to 88-5 and ultimately fell short by seven runs, ending on 166-8.

South Group Highlights: Surrey Dominates as Hollman and Abbott Shine

Surrey reclaimed the top spot in the South Group by defending a total of 185 against Middlesex at Lord's. Middlesex’s Luke Hollman briefly gave his team hope with a career-best 5-16, including three wickets in one over. However, Surrey’s Sean Abbott responded with 5-18, including wickets on consecutive balls, leading to a Middlesex collapse at 129-8 and a 56-run defeat.

At Sophia Gardens, Gloucestershire's Josh Shaw became the hero, hitting a six off the last ball to secure a thrilling win over Glamorgan. Despite chasing a modest 140-6 set up by Sam Northeast’s unbeaten 46, Gloucestershire wavered at 45-5 before Jack Taylor's 70 off 48 balls revived their chances. Shaw's final-ball six came after a dramatic drop by Northeast, turning the game in Gloucestershire's favour.

In Hove, Sussex celebrated their fifth win in seven matches with a 31-run victory over Kent. Harrison Ward's 61 led Sussex to 201-7, while Kent fell short at 170-7 despite captain Sam Billings' 51. England opener Zak Crawley's struggles continued, as he was dismissed for just four runs by Ollie Robinson.

Essex, the 2019 champions, cruised to a comfortable win over Hampshire at home, thanks to Dean Elgar's unbeaten 60 and contributions from Michael Pepper (44 off 24) and Jorgan Cox (41 not out). Hampshire’s total of 166-7, bolstered by Joe Weatherley’s 48 and James Fuller’s rapid 39 off 16, was insufficient against Essex's chase.

Upcoming Matches on Friday

North Group

  - Chester-le-Street: Durham v Yorkshire

  - Wantage Road: Northants v Leicestershire

  - Trent Bridge: Notts v Derbyshire

  - Worcester: Worcestershire v Birmingham Bears

South Group

- Bristol: Gloucestershire v Somerset

- Southampton: Hampshire v Sussex

- Canterbury: Kent v Essex

- The Oval: Surrey v Glamorgan