T20 Blast Quarter-Finals Results
T20 Blast finals day is open us. But first let’s have a look at the quarter-final results. The Vitality T20 Blast Quarter-Finals were underway today on the 1st of October. There is little arguing that this is a very late time of year for them to be held. Luckily, the weather perhaps was pleasant enough.
Read below for further information on how the games were previewed and the actual results.
Rain forces postponement until Sunday
Surrey v Kent Spitfires
How the T20 Blast Quarter-Finals game was previewed
One win apiece in the group stages as first plays third from the south group at the Kia Oval. Two very well balanced sides with plenty to offer in terms of batting fireworks this is sure to be a high scoring clash to get the quarter-finals underway on Thursday afternoon.
Kent’s Daniel Bell-Drummond is the competitions leading run-scorer with 420 runs at an average of 46.66 and a strike rate of 156.13, certainly the one to watch from the visitors.
For Surrey, it has been an examination of the opposition by spin mainly, fronted by youngster Daniel Moriarty. The left-arm orthodox bowler has 14 victims with an impressive economy of just 6.75.
The result
Hashim Amla and Jason Roy both scored half-centuries to help Surrey reach the semi-final of the T20 Blast. A first-wicket partnership of 114 in just under 13 overs helped propel Surrey to 169-2 in their 20 overs.
Sussex Sharks v Lancashire Lightning
How the T20 Blast Quarter-Finals game was previewed
A battle of the runners up from the south and the north group at Hove also on Thursday afternoon as Luke Wright’s Sussex host Dane Vilas’ Lancashire. Both teams pack a punch with their long-range hitting batsmen and are packed full of more than capable all-rounders.
It is captain Luke Wright who has caught the eye once again on the south coast as the experienced campaigner sits third in the run-scoring charts with 375 from his 10 knocks with a strike rate of 141.50.
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For the Red Rose county, it has been far more of a combined effort as the likes of Alex Davies, Keaton Jennings, Matt Parkinson, and Liam Livingstone have all shone throughout the group stages and could make an impact in the last eight.
The result
Lancashire proved too strong for Sussex, winning the encounter by 45 runs, after bundling Sussex out for just 95. Steven Croft and Dane Vilas both scored forties to haul Lancashire Lightning to 140/8.
The Sussex Sharks in reply, only scored 95, with Luke Wright again proving why he is one of the best domestic players in the T20 Blast. He scored 36 but had very little support.
Liam Livingston and Matthew Parkinson, as expected, dominated the bowling.
Gloucestershire v Northamptonshire Steelbacks
How the T20 Blast Quarter-Finals game was previewed
Perhaps the tie of the stage as the top two from the central group go head to head at The Bristol County Ground, for the third time this summer in this format. Gloucestershire won the only meeting that could be completed as the other was abandoned.
Big-hitting Ian Cockbain and experienced slow left-arm bowler Tom Smith both sit in the top five of the batting and bowling rankings respectively and are likely to be big parts of the hosts’ efforts.
For Northants Steelbacks seamer Ben Sanderson has shone brightest with the ball whilst the likes of Paul Stirling and Luke Proctor will be important with the bat in hand.
The result
Nottinghamshire Outlaws v Leicestershire Foxes
How the T20 Blast Quarter-Finals game was previewed
The quarter-finals come to a conclusion at Trent Bridge as the table-topping Outlaws take on third-placed Leicestershire. The home side will be big favourites for this tie and perhaps the tournament outright having lost just once in the format all summer. Incidentally, the loss came against the Foxes just over 10 days ago.
For the Outlaws batsmen Joe Clarke, who averaged 45.14 throughout the group stages, and bowler Jake Ball who leads the way with 14 wickets will be just two of the men to watch in a star-studded lineup.
The visitors will look to Aaron Lilley and captain Colin Ackermann to fire them to victory and a place in Saturday’s finals day.
The result
A tied epic between the two sides with Nottinghamshire going through on count back. Both teams scored 139-7 in their 20 overs. Colin Ackermann and Harry Swindells top-scored for Leicestershire with 43 and 58 respectively.
Samit Patel’s 16 ball 28 counteracted the bowling efforts from Gavin Griffiths, who picked up 3 wickets and Colin Ackermann himself, who also picked up 3 wickets.
Summary
Perhaps the strongest chance of overall finalists comes from the north group sides, however, all eight teams could make a genuine argument as to their credentials and that’s why these match-ups make for intriguing encounters, with plenty at stake.
All stats from ESPN
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Notts Outlaws v Lancashire Lightning
Nottinghamshire just about made it to the last four on count back and they will be looking to put one past Lancashire, who won quite easily in their quarter-final game. Samit Patel could again be crucial to their chances of winning this semi-final and also the T20 Blast Finals Day.
Lancashire, like Notts, will be banking on their spinners to come good. Liam Livingstone and Matt Parkinson have done a great job so far. Can they continue such form on T20 Blast Finals Day?
Surrey v Gloucestershire
Hashim Amla and Jason Roy will be looking to continue their great form at the T20 Blast Finals Day. Both scored half-centuries in the quarter-finals and their form could be crucial to how far Surrey progress.
Gloucestershire have fewer household names but the sum of their parts is greater than the individuals. Ryan Higgins has been outstanding with the ball, picking up 16 wickets and could have a massive role to play on the T20 Blast Finals Day.
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