Paul Stirling posted a dominant century on a tough opening night for the Steelbacks at Edgbaston.
Ireland batter Stirling blazed his career T20-best 119 from 51 balls (nine fours, ten sixes) to lift the Bears to 207 for three in an innings reduced by rain to 16 overs.
Sam Hain ensured the bowlers had no respite at the other end in a partnership of 170 from 70 balls which brought the big Edgbaston crowd to its feet.
Chasing a DLS revised target of 207 in 16 overs, the Steelbacks stumbled to 20 for three and there was no way back against a rising required rate.
After the Bears chose to bat, Stirling belted his fourth ball for his new side for six on his way to 33 from 18 balls before a rain break. The rain made conditions difficult for the fielding side as the Bears capitalised, the third-wicket pair collected a combined 142 in fours and sixes.
Stirling thundered to his third T20 ton, from 46 balls, and celebrated with a six which landed 20 rows back in the Hollies Stand before perishing to a catch at long off in the final over.
The Steelbacks lost wickets at regular intervals in reply as they chased an ever increasing required rate. Lynn threatened early but scoreboard pressure told as each new batsman was forced to go hard from the off.
The side now return home and are in action again tomorrow night as they welcome Durham to The County Ground.