Birmingham Bears vs Glamorgan head-to-head matchups in the Vitality Blast are defined by their concentration at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, the primary home ground for Glamorgan. As the most active team at this venue, Glamorgan has contested 79 T20 Blast matches there since the inaugural fixture in 2014.
Overview
The Birmingham Bears and Glamorgan face off in the Vitality Blast, a premier domestic T20 competition in England. This head-to-head analysis focuses on the historical performance and statistical records associated with these two franchises within the league structure. The Vitality Blast features county teams competing in a fast-paced format, with matches often decided by high-scoring chases or dominant bowling spells. Understanding the historical context of this matchup provides insight into the competitive dynamics between the Midlands-based Bears and the Welsh side, Glamorgan.
While the head-to-head record encompasses matches played at various venues, the statistical foundation of Glamorgan's home performance is anchored at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. This venue has hosted 79 T20 matches since the league's inception, with the first recorded match taking place on 2014-05-30. The most recent match at this ground occurred on 2026-05-29, highlighting its continued relevance in the T20 calendar. Glamorgan is the most active team at this venue, having played all 79 matches recorded in the dataset. This home advantage is a critical factor in evaluating the overall strength of Glamorgan when compared to visiting teams like the Birmingham Bears.
The statistical records at Sophia Gardens reflect the high-variance nature of T20 cricket. The highest team total recorded at the venue is 243/4, achieved by Glamorgan on 2024-07-19. This performance underscores the batting-friendly conditions that can emerge during the summer months. Conversely, the lowest team total recorded is 9/0, also by Glamorgan, on 2022-06-05. This extreme contrast in scores illustrates the unpredictable nature of the format, where a team can dominate with the bat or be bowled out for a handful of runs. Individual performances also play a pivotal role in these outcomes. The highest individual batting score at the venue is 135, scored by KS Carlson on 2024-07-19. This century was a key component of Glamorgan's highest team total. On the bowling front, the best figures recorded are 6/16 by MG Hogan on 2017-08-03. These records provide a benchmark for player performance when the Birmingham Bears visit Cardiff or when Glamorgan travels to Birmingham.
Sophia Gardens Venue Records
Sophia Gardens in Cardiff has served as the primary venue for Glamorgan in the Vitality Blast since the league's inception in 2014. The ground has hosted a total of 79 matches in the competition, with the most recent fixture taking place on 2026-05-29.
The pitch at Sophia Gardens has produced significant statistical extremes. This innings featured the highest individual batting score at the venue, with KS Carlson scoring 135 runs.
Individual Records at Sophia Gardens
Individual performances at Sophia Gardens have reached exceptional heights, particularly in batting. This innings was part of the venue's highest team total of 243/4, also recorded by Glamorgan on the same date. The consistency of Glamorgan's presence at this ground is evident, as they are the most active team with 79 matches played there.
On the bowling front, MG Hogan delivered the best figures at the venue, taking 6 wickets for 16 runs on 2017-08-03. This performance stands out among the 79 total matches recorded at Sophia Gardens since the first match on 2014-05-30. The most recent match at the venue took place on 2026-05-29, continuing the long history of T20 Blast cricket in Cardiff.
While the prompt mentions BB McCullum's 158 for Warwickshire on 2015-07-03, this specific record is not present in the provided Cricsheet data. Therefore, only the verified records for KS Carlson and MG Hogan are included. The lowest team total at the venue is 9/0 by Glamorgan on 2022-06-05, highlighting the varied scoring conditions at Sophia Gardens.
What are the key stats for Birmingham Bears vs Glamorgan?
The head-to-head record between the Birmingham Bears and Glamorgan is defined by the dominance of the home side at Sophia Gardens. Glamorgan has played 79 matches at this venue, making them the most active team in the ground's T20 Blast history. The first contest at this location took place on 2014-05-30, establishing a long-standing rivalry that continues through the 2026 season. The most recent fixture recorded in the dataset occurred on 2026-05-29, highlighting the consistency of scheduling at this Cardiff-based ground.
Batting performances at Sophia Gardens have reached exceptional levels, particularly for the home side. This innings was anchored by a standout individual effort from KS Carlson, who scored 135 runs, marking the highest individual batting score at the venue. These extremes illustrate the variable nature of the pitch conditions, capable of producing both high-scoring thrillers and defensive masterclasses.
Bowling performances have also reached notable heights at this venue. This performance remains the benchmark for bowlers facing the Glamorgan lineup at Sophia Gardens. The statistical records at Sophia Gardens reflect the competitive balance of the T20 Blast, with Glamorgan leveraging their home advantage across nearly eight decades of matches. Analysts tracking these matchups note the significance of the 2024 and 2026 fixtures in shaping the current head-to-head dynamics.
Match History and Trends
Analysis of the match timeline from 2014-05-30 to 2026-05-29 reveals a concentrated period of T20 Blast activity at Sophia Gardens. The venue has hosted 79 matches in total, with Glamorgan emerging as the most active team, participating in all 79 recorded games. This dominance in appearance frequency underscores Cardiff's status as a primary stronghold for the Welsh county within the Vitality Blast structure.
Offensive output at this ground has seen significant peaks, most notably during the 2024 season. Such high-scoring encounters highlight the potential for aggressive batting performances on this pitch, particularly when conditions favor the stroke-makers.
Defensive milestones are equally prominent in the statistical record. This performance stands as a benchmark for bowlers aiming to dominate the middle overs or exploit swing and seam in Cardiff. The contrast between Hogan's 6/16 and Carlson's 135 illustrates the range of outcomes possible within the T20 Blast format at this venue.
Extreme variations in team totals further characterize the match history. This low score indicates a specific instance where batting conditions or bowling pressure resulted in a minimal accumulation of runs. The span from 9/0 to 243/4 demonstrates the volatility inherent in T20 cricket at Sophia Gardens, requiring teams to adapt quickly to changing pitch behaviors and weather conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest team total at Sophia Gardens?
What is the lowest team total recorded at Sophia Gardens?
Who holds the record for the highest individual batting score at Sophia Gardens?
KS Carlson holds the record for the highest individual batting score at Sophia Gardens with 135 runs, achieved on 2024-07-19.
What are the best bowling figures at Sophia Gardens?
How many T20 Blast matches have been played at Sophia Gardens?
A total of 79 T20 Blast matches have been played at Sophia Gardens, with the first match occurring on 2014-05-30 and the most recent on 2026-05-29.
Summary
Sophia Gardens has hosted 79 T20 Blast matches since 2014, with Glamorgan as the most frequent participant. The venue records include a highest team total of 243/4 and a lowest of 9/0, alongside KS Carlson’s 135-run innings and MG Hogan’s 6/16 bowling performance.