Ali's wicket burst sets up a crucial victory for Bears

BEARS continue their chase for a Vitality Blast quarterfinal spot at Durham this afternoon having boosted their hopes of progression with victory over Leicestershire Foxes on Friday night.

- JON CULLEY

At the Uptonsteel County Ground, the Foxes were bowled out for 154 in 19.3 overs, Pakistan international pace bowler Hassan Ali finishing with four for 22 with all four wickets in the opening powerplay. Sol Budinger made 51 off 24 balls but all-rounder Logan Van Beek's 26 was the next best score, Richard Gleeson and Danny Briggs picking up two wickets each for the Bears.

Half-centuries from Sam Hain (55 from 38 balls) and Dan Mousley (64 not out from 48) then got the job done as Bears moved level on 20 points with the Foxes.

An extraordinary opening power-play saw Budinger smash 40 off 17 balls but the Foxes careered from 38 without loss to 71 for four after two stunning overs from Hassan.