Colin de Grandhomme’s quick-fire 65 helped Birmingham Bears secure a 20-run win in the NatWest T20 Blast fixture at Edgbaston.
Ed Pollock, on debut, hit 66 before all-rounder de Grandhomme smashed 65 not out off just 28 balls as Birmingham posted 197-4 off their 20 overs.
Luis Reece top scored with 33, but four wickets for Grant Elliott helped restrict the Falcons to 177-9 as the Bears claimed victory.
Openers Sam Hain and Pollock laid the platform for the hosts sharing a 100-run stand in 11.5 overs, before Madsen found the breakthrough, Hain caught for 34.
Pollock impressed on debut for the Bears hitting five fours and three sixes in his 66, before he was caught by Matt Henry off Hardus Viljoen, with Birmingham 107-2 at the start of the 14th over.
The rest of the innings was dominated by de Grandhomme who propelled his side towards 200. The New Zealand international hit five sixes and five fours in his 28-ball onslaught.
He would end unbeaten on 65, while Ireland international William Porterfield hit 20 off seven balls at the end of the innings as Birmingham closed on 197-4.
The Falcons lost both openers during the opening powerplay, but it didn’t slow the visitors as they remained with the required run rate, moving to 59-2 after six overs.
But wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as the Falcons fell behind, with Elliott taking 4-37 off his four overs to put his side in control.
Reece top scored with 33 while Alex Hughes added 25, but when he was dismissed in the 13th over, Derbyshire had slipped to 116-6.
Hardus Viljoen (20) and Daryn Smit (18 not out) added some late runs, but it wasn’t enough as the Falcons closed on 177-9.
NatWest T20 Blast is back this July and August. Save £4 by purchasing your matchday tickets in advance. While further discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Buy online today to secure your place and save.
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