Birmingham Bears were knocked out of the Vitality Blast quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive year as Gloucestershire secured a 14-run victory in a tense match at Edgbaston. The North Group winners were stunned by the underdog team, who had only scraped into the last eight on net run rate. Gloucestershire will now face Sussex in the semi-finals on September 14, live on Sky Sports.
Despite a strong start, Gloucestershire were bowled out for 138 after racing to 51 without loss in the first five overs. Cameron Bancroft top-scored with 43 from 35 balls, while Miles Hammond added 30 from 24 deliveries. Birmingham’s Zak Foulkes impressed with figures of 3-22, while spinners Danny Briggs and Dan Mousley each took two wickets. George Garton also contributed with two direct-hit run-outs.
In response, Birmingham Bears struggled to build momentum and could only manage 124-9 in their 20 overs. David Payne was the standout bowler for Gloucestershire, taking 4-23, while spinner Ollie Price claimed 3-32. The Bears were 37-2 after the powerplay, with Payne dismissing Alex Davies at square-leg and Moeen Ali caught behind for 27.
The Bears’ middle order faltered, with Mousley trapped leg before while attempting a pull shot, and Jacob Bethell caught at extra cover. Price continued his dominance, taking the crucial wicket of Sam Hain, who attempted a big hit but was caught at mid-wicket by Hammond.
Despite late efforts from Chris Benjamin and George Garton, Gloucestershire’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Josh Shaw took two key wickets in two balls, dismissing Garton and Foulkes, leaving Birmingham with 18 runs to chase in the final over. Payne sealed the victory, conceding only three runs and taking two more wickets.
Finals Day will be held at Edgbaston on September 14, with Surrey facing Somerset in the first semi-final, followed by Gloucestershire against Sussex.
