Birmingham Bears vs Derbyshire Vitality Blast top scorers highlights the statistical dominance of the venue's primary franchise, with Birmingham Bears playing 56 of the 121 T20 matches recorded at Edgbaston since 2014.

The ground has hosted extreme scoring variations, ranging from a highest team total of 242/2 by Warwickshire to a lowest total of 39/4 by Lancashire, establishing it as a key venue for T20 Blast records.

Birmingham Bears vs Derbyshire Vitality Blast top scorers. Photo: Hugo.arg (talk) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

The Birmingham Bears and Derbyshire face off at Edgbaston in the T20 Blast, a fixture that has developed over more than a decade of county competition. Cricsheet data indicates that Birmingham Bears has played 61 matches in this specific head-to-head context, establishing them as a frequent participant in this rivalry. The broader venue history at Edgbaston spans from the first recorded match on 2014-06-19 through to the most recent contest on 2026-05-31, covering a significant period of modern T20 cricket in England.

Edgbaston has hosted a total of 121 T20 Blast matches, providing a substantial dataset for analyzing team and player performances. Birmingham Bears is the most active team at this venue overall, having featured in 56 matches, which underscores their status as the primary home franchise. The pitch conditions at Edgbaston have facilitated both high-scoring encounters and defensive masterclasses, as evidenced by the extreme totals recorded during this period.

The highest team total at Edgbaston is 242/2, achieved by Warwickshire on 2015-07-03. This performance coincides with the highest individual batting score at the venue, where BB McCullum scored 158 runs on the same date. Conversely, the lowest team total recorded is 39/4, set by Lancashire on 2016-06-19, highlighting the variable nature of the surface. In the bowling department, TMJ Smith recorded the best figures with 6/16 on 2020-09-02, demonstrating the potential for wicket-taking spells in the T20 Blast format at this ground.

What are the highest team totals at Edgbaston?

The highest team total at Edgbaston is 242/2, set by Warwickshire on 2015-07-03. This innings featured the venue's highest individual batting score of 158 by BB McCullum. The match remains the benchmark for batting dominance in the T20 Blast at this ground.

At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest team total recorded is 39/4 by Lancashire on 2016-06-19. This collapse highlights the variable nature of the pitch conditions, which can favor either batsmen or bowlers depending on the session. The contrast between these two extremes defines the strategic depth of matches played at Edgbaston.

Who holds the individual batting records?

Who holds the individual batting records?

The benchmark for individual brilliance at Edgbaston in the T20 Blast is defined by a dominant performance from BB McCullum. On 2015-07-03, McCullum scored 158 runs for Warwickshire, establishing the highest individual batting score recorded at the venue. This innings remains the primary statistical reference point for batsmen facing the pitch conditions in Birmingham.

McCullum's 158-run knock was instrumental in Warwickshire's pursuit of the highest team total at the ground. The team posted 242/2 in that same match, demonstrating the correlation between individual excellence and team success at Edgbaston. No other player has surpassed this run tally in the 121 matches played at the venue since 2014.

The consistency of this record highlights the challenge of converting starts into large scores at this specific ground. While team totals have fluctuated, with Lancashire posting a low of 39/4 in 2016, the ceiling for individual performance remains firmly set by McCullum's 2015 display. Analysts tracking batting form at Edgbaston use this figure as the key metric for evaluating top-order impact.

Best bowling figures at Edgbaston

Best bowling figures at Edgbaston

Among the most dominant individual performances recorded at this venue, TMJ Smith achieved the best bowling figures in T20 Blast history at Edgbaston with 6/16. This milestone was reached on 2020-09-02, standing out as a benchmark for consistency and accuracy in the limited-overs format. Achieving six wickets in a single T20 innings is a rare feat, reflecting the ability to exploit pitch conditions and maintain pressure over the full 20 overs.

The significance of Smith's 6/16 lies in the balance between economy and wicket-taking ability. In the T20 Blast, where batsmen often dominate with aggressive stroke-play, restricting the run rate while picking up wickets requires precise line and length. This performance by TMJ Smith demonstrates the potential for bowlers to seize control of the game, particularly when the pitch offers assistance through movement or variable bounce.

Edgbaston has hosted a total of 121 T20 Blast matches since the first contest on 2014-06-19, providing a substantial sample size for evaluating individual records. The most recent match at the venue took place on 2026-05-31, continuing the tradition of high-quality county cricket. While batting records such as BB McCullum's 158 and team totals like Warwickshire's 242/2 highlight the scoring potential, Smith's bowling figures underscore the importance of disciplined spell-craft in determining match outcomes.

Match frequency and venue context

Edgbaston serves as the primary venue for the Birmingham Bears within the T20 Blast competition. The ground has hosted 121 matches in this format, with the first recorded contest taking place on 2014-06-19 and the most recent on 2026-05-31. This extensive schedule establishes the stadium as a central hub for county T20 cricket in the Midlands region.

Birmingham Bears are the most active team at this venue, featuring in 56 of the total matches. This high frequency of appearances underscores the franchise's reliance on Edgbaston for home fixtures against various county opponents, including Derbyshire. The volume of games played provides a robust statistical sample for analyzing head-to-head performance trends between the two sides.

The venue's history extends beyond the T20 Blast, having been the home of Derbyshire County Cricket Club since 1871. Originally located within Derby Racecourse, the ground has hosted significant international fixtures, including matches during the 1983 and 1999 ICC Cricket World Cups. It also served as a semi-final venue for the 2017 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, highlighting its capacity to accommodate major tournament stages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest team total at Edgbaston in the T20 Blast?

The highest team total is 242/2, scored by Warwickshire on 2015-07-03.

Who holds the highest individual batting score at Edgbaston?

BB McCullum holds the record with 158 runs, also scored on 2015-07-03.

What are the best bowling figures at Edgbaston?

The best bowling figures are 6/16, achieved by TMJ Smith on 2020-09-02.

Which team has played the most matches at Edgbaston?

Birmingham Bears are the most active team at the venue with 56 matches.

When was the first T20 match played at Edgbaston?

The first T20 match at the venue took place on 2014-06-19.

Summary

Edgbaston has hosted 121 T20 Blast matches between 2014-06-19 and 2026-05-31. The venue records include a highest team total of 242/2 by Warwickshire, a lowest total of 39/4 by Lancashire, a highest individual score of 158 by BB McCullum, and best bowling figures of 6/16 by TMJ Smith.

See also