Davies’ note on narrow margins as Bears beaten

By JEREMY BLACKMORE ECB REPORTERS NETWORK

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BEARS captain Alex Davies admitted “it’s T20 cricket” as Ben Sanderson’s three-wicket burst helped Northamptonshire wrap up a dramatic ten-run win in the penultimate over at Wantage Road to seal an unprecedented sixth straight Vitality Blast success.

With Moeen Ali well set on 31, the Bears needed 24 off the last two overs before Sanderson broke through, striking three times in four balls, including the dangerous Moeen, to extend his tally of wickets in this year's competition to 17.

Justin Broad had smashed 60 off 35 balls (seven fours, one six) to help propel the Steelbacks to 184 for six. Matthew Breetzke also struck 53 off 36 balls during a partnership of 59 in six overs with skipper David Willey (34).

Pakistan international Hassan Ali finished with figures of three for 42 for the Bears, including two wickets off consecutive deliveries, in the final over.