BIRMINGHAM Bears secured a comfortable 36-run against leaders Lancashire Lightning in the T20 Blast.
A half-century from Ed Barnard (54) helped the Bears post a total of 203-9 at the end of their 20 overs at Edgbaston.
The Bears recovered from the loss of openers Alex Davies (8) and Tom Latham (8) in the first two overs to make a 200-plus score.
Dan Mousley (32) hit seven boundaries in a 12-ball innings while Sam Hain (36) also scored runs quickly.
And Barnard blasted his way to a half-century as he hit four sixes in an explosive 34-ball innings.
Rob Yates (19), George Garton (16) and Danny Briggs (12) all managed double figures to help Birmingham to a big score.
And the Bears made the perfect start with the ball as Garton (4-28) took two wickets in the first over of Lancashire’s reply.
Garton had Lightning captain Keaton Jennings (0) caught for a duck and then trapped England international Jos Buttler (0) LBW to leave the visitors on 2-2.
And Garton also accounted for England opener Phil Salt (21) as Rob Yates produced a stunning catch.
Birmingham took wickets at regular intervals as Tom Hartley (35) hit four sixes in a late burst before Hasan Ali (2-19) took the final wicket to seal a 36-run victory.
Birmingham are next in action against local rivals Worcestershire Rapids on Friday, July 11 with the game to begin at 5.30pm at New Road.
