Northamptonshire vs Warwickshire: Ben Sanderson delivered a breathtaking spell at the death to power Northamptonshire Steelbacks to their sixth consecutive victory in the 2025 Vitality Blast, securing a thrilling 10-run win over the Birmingham Bears at Wantage Road. With the Bears requiring 24 off the final 12 balls and Moeen Ali looking dangerous, Sanderson produced a masterclass in death bowling, claiming three wickets in four balls to dismantle Birmingham’s chase and finish with figures of 3 for 31.
The Steelbacks’ historic winning streak is now the longest in their Vitality Blast history, with Sanderson’s late heroics extending his wicket tally in this season’s campaign to 17.
Steelbacks Set the Tone with Strong Batting Performance
Earlier in the match, Justin Broad anchored Northamptonshire’s innings with a blistering 60 off 35 balls, while Matthew Breetzke struck a fluent 53 off 36 balls, his first fifty of the season. The pair set a solid foundation as the Steelbacks posted a competitive 184 for 6 from their 20 overs.
The innings began positively, despite the early loss of Ricardo Vasconcelos, bowled by Hassan Ali, who returned the best bowling figures for the Bears with 3 for 42, including two wickets in the final over. Breetzke took the attack to the bowlers, hitting consecutive boundaries and a six off George Garton, before reaching his half-century by punishing Moeen Ali with a four and six in back-to-back balls. However, he perished attempting another pull shot off Moeen, caught by Kai Smith at deep midwicket.
Captain David Willey contributed a handy 34, forming a productive 59-run stand with Breetzke. Willey was eventually dismissed by Garton, brilliantly caught by Jake Lintott at fine leg. Broad then took center stage, showcasing a full range of strokes, including three consecutive boundaries off Danny Briggs and a ramp shot off Hassan to bring up his half-century.
In the closing stages, Saif Zaib struck a six down the ground but was soon caught and bowled by Dan Mousley. Broad, attempting to accelerate, was bowled by Hassan, who also dismissed Lewis McManus next ball. Luke Procter rounded off the innings with a boundary, taking the total to 184.
Bears Begin Chase with Confidence
Chasing 185 for victory, Birmingham made a steady start but lost Alex Davies early to Willey, with George Scrimshaw taking a sharp diving catch at fine leg. The Bears were lifted by a fluent innings from Dan Mousley, who crafted a brilliant 68 off 42 balls, and was especially effective against spin, reverse-sweeping Lloyd Pope for six and manipulating the field with intelligent stroke play.
Tom Latham added 34, but his innings ended when he flicked a delivery from Scrimshaw into the hands of Zaib at the boundary. Sam Hain was dismissed soon after, gloving Scrimshaw to the keeper while attempting to create room to play.
With wickets falling, it was up to Moeen Ali and Mousley to keep the chase alive. Moeen brought momentum with a six off Scrimshaw, while Mousley continued his fine form with two boundaries off Procter. At this point, the Bears needed just 53 from 30 balls, and the pendulum had swung in their favor.
However, Willey struck a crucial blow by removing Mousley, caught behind while attempting a hook shot. Moeen kept the Bears in the game with a powerful six off Broad and reached 31, but Northamptonshire held their nerve.
Sanderson’s Magical Penultimate Over Seals the Win
With 24 needed from 12 balls, Ben Sanderson was brought back into the attack—and what followed was pure brilliance. First, he bowled Garton. Next, he trapped Moeen lbw with a sharp delivery that skidded through. On the very next ball, Hassan Ali was caught at long-on. Three wickets in four balls effectively ended Birmingham’s challenge.
Although the Bears had earlier looked in control, Sanderson’s devastating burst changed the game’s complexion. The final over required an improbable 14 runs, which they could not muster, and the Steelbacks completed a hard-fought and memorable 10-run win.
Bowling Support and Match Highlights
Alongside Sanderson’s heroics, David Willey and George Scrimshaw both claimed two wickets each, with Scrimshaw following up his career-best figures at Derby with a tidy 2 for 25. For the Bears, Hassan Ali was the standout bowler, while Dan Mousley also contributed with the ball by picking up Zaib’s wicket.
The match had everything: powerful batting, superb fielding, and match-turning death bowling. But above all, it underlined the Steelbacks’ growing momentum and belief in this year’s Blast, as they made it six wins in a row—an achievement that cements their position as one of the teams to beat in the tournament.
