Highest domestic T20 total matched as Notts lose
MATCHING the barnstorming batting of the Test Match at the same Trent Bridge venue three days earlier, Birmingham Bears posted the highest total, 261-2, ever made in English domestic T20 cricket, claiming a Vitality Blast victory over Nottinghamshire Outlaws by 55 runs on Friday night.
Only seven better scores have ever been made in all world T20 cricket, and one of those was by the Czech Republic over Turkey.
The Bears’ unbeaten stand of 174 in a mere 70 balls from Sam Hain, with a maiden, unbeaten hundred at this level, and Adam Hose, with an undefeated 88, was the best for the third wicket in this country, beating Hose’s own 171 with Ian Bell four years ago.
Joe Clarke made a withering 86 from 45 balls in riposte to take the Outlaws to 150-2, with 112 needed at 14.6 per over but he fell at long-off and the rest crashed in 36 balls.
Short boundaries and a rock-hard pitch had almost turned the match into a licensed exhibition of free hitting but the rate could not ultimately be sustained under pressure.
Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores said: I thought the crunch was in the last five overs of our bowling – that’s where it really got away from us.
“The par was about 220 to 230 I thought but we couldn’t keep enough control.
“The challenge of a chase for a big score always creates problems for everyone under pressure.
“Joe (Clarke) played really well and at 150-2 it seemed on. But as soon as wickets go with that kind of target things can begin to get away from you.
“Tonight was really tough for bowlers with the outfield electric – it’s ages since there’s been any rain.
“I take the point that there’s more to cricket than fours and sixes but I’d just say this was one of those nights, far from usual.
“And it was great entertainment. All around me were girls and boys having a wonderful time.
“I’d say lets take it for what it is: one of those nights, a brilliant pitch to bat on, brilliant weather to watch it.
“Not every game will be like that: I’ll take it for what it was.
“I take the point that there’s more to cricket.”