Ian Bell on top form as Birmingham Bears beat Durham Jets in T20 Blast

Ian Bell put his recent England woes behind him by leading the Birmingham Bears to victory in this afternoon's T20 Blast match against the North Group-leading Durham Jets.

After scoring 43 runs in four innings in the Test series against New Zealand, Bell powered his way to 90 off just 65 balls today as the Bears chased down the target of 164 set for them by Durham.

Visitors Birmingham won the toss at Chester-le-Street and put the Jets into bat, soon removing Phil Mustard for just three runs.

Calum MacLeod (41) and Ben Stokes (40) gave the hosts some life in the middle of their innings, but Ateeq Javid prevented them both from passing 50 as the wickets fell steadily and Durham posted a score of 163-7.

Bell led from the front for the Bears and formed a solid second-wicket partnership with William Porterfield (41 not out). Birmingham always looked in control and came home with five balls to spare for their third victory in four games.