Bairstow guides Yorkshire to solid total
Jonny Bairstow proved his international class with an unbeaten half-century to ensure Yorkshire posted an imposing total in the opening Friends Life t20 semi-final in Cardiff.
Yorkshire were in early trouble, losing three wickets in the initial six-over powerplay, before Bairstow came to their rescue with 68 from 45 balls to lead them to 172 for six.
An 82-run stand with South African David Miller, who hit 47 off 35 balls, formed the backbone of an innings that had been in jeopardy when Scott Styris claimed three wickets early on.
The veteran New Zealander had Andrew Gayle caught at mid-on from a slower ball, before ill-advised strokes from Phil Jaques and Joe Root left Yorkshire 36 for three.
Bairstow and Miller then began the recovery mission, edging their side to 61 for three after 10 overs before beginning the onslaught.
Miller initially led the way, lofting Chris Liddle out of the ground, before he was caught just short of his half-century off Chris Nash.
Bairstow, back with his county after impressing on England duty in the third Test at Lord's last week, then took over with some punishing blows to leave Sussex with what would be the biggest chase in a Twenty20 semi-final.
