Birmingham Bears defeat Northamptonshire Steelbacks in final over thriller

The ongoing NatWest T20 Blast in England has witnessed some incredible encounters this season with the latest being the clash between Northamptonshire Steelbacks and Birmingham Bears. The Bears moved to the top of the North group last night after defeating Northamptonshire by just 2 runs in a thriller. The home side needed 173 for victory and looked to be on course for the most part of their innings, but their scoring rate reduced gradually and when the last over began they needed 13 to win.

Aaron Thomason was the star last night as he held his nerve to defend 13 in the final over to help seal the victory for Birmingham at Wantage Road. Playing just his 13th T20 match, 20-year-old Thomason was bestowed with the responsibility of delivering the final couple of overs. He conceded only 7 in the first and then Jeetan Patel presented the youngster with 13 to defend from the final six.

Northamptonshire looked to be cruising control with Wakely’s 52 from 34 balls but Thomason held the game for the Bears. Wakely struck the second ball of the final over for six down the ground but despite reducing the equation to 4 from 2 balls, they failed to kill the game and missed the chance to move to the top of the group.

Watch the video here

13 runs needed from 5 balls. Tension rising. What do you do?

Take a bow, @AlexWakely1! ?#Blast17 pic.twitter.com/l0745cNz99

— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) August 1, 2017

BIRMINGHAM BEARS WIN A THRILLER! ?#Blast17 pic.twitter.com/kqujrmfhT2

— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) August 1, 2017

Speaking to Birmingham Mail, England cricketer Ian Bell said, “It was a great win to get over the line when we didn’t play our best, to come to Northampton is tough.

“Aaron didn’t shy away he wanted that last over so I’m really happy. He’s someone who works hard at his slower balls and yorkers and listens to the guys who have played around the world. We’re working extremely hard to get this right and it’s great when you see young guys like today come in. It’s really pleasing and now we move forward with a bit of momentum so let’s see where it takes us,” he said.