Thursday sees the knockout stages of the Vitality Blast get underway with four intriguing quarter-final ties. The Cricketer takes a look at them one-by-one.
Thursday sees the knockout stages of the Vitality Blast get underway with four intriguing quarter-final ties.
With September being full of T20 cricket, all sides will be raring to go as none had Bob Willis Trophy commitments to disrupt their preparations.
Who will make it through to Finals Day at Edgbaston on Saturday?
Where? The 1st Central County Ground, Hove
When? Thursday, 1st October, 1pm
Lowdown Both of these sides finished second in their groups - Sussex with six wins and Lancashire with five. Lancashire lost their final two group matches and will be looking to bounce back. On the other hand, Sussex are in fine touch having won their previous two fixtures.
One to watch Performances with the ball has been the key for both of these sides. Delray Rawlins of Sussex and Tom Bailey of Lancashire have both been key - chipping in at both ends of the innings.
Tickets This match is behind closed doors
Weather Cloudy with sunny spells
Prediction Sussex
Lancashire's Tom Bailey celebrates a wicket
Where? The KIA Oval
When? Thursday, 1st October, 1pm
Lowdown Surrey have had a very strong campaign thus far, winning seven of their 10 group matches (four wins at The Oval). They go up against a Kent side that qualified by being the best third placed team.
One to watch Laurie Evans has been the man for Surrey this season. Evans has scored 301 runs in eight matches at an average of sixty and batting at three he has the ability to dismantle any bowling attack on their day.
Tickets This match is behind closed doors.
Weather Sunny intervals with a gentle breeze
Prediction Surrey
Where? The Brightside County Ground, Bristol
When? Thursday, 1st October, 2pm
Lowdown Both sides had a stellar group stage, finishing first and second respectively. Simply, this a central group shoot-out for a place at Finals Day on Saturday.
One to watch Tom Smith is the joint second-highest wicket taker this season with 14 poles to his name so far with career-best figures of 5-16 against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.
Tickets This match is behind closed doors
Weather Light rain showers and a gentle breeze
Prediction Gloucestershire
Tom Smith of Gloucestershire
Where? Trent Bridge
When? Thursday, 1st October, 6pm
Lowdown Similarly to the Surrey v Kent fixture, it is first against third from the north group. That being said, Leicestershire are the only team to have defeated the Outlaws this season. They ran out winners by four wickets in Leicester.
One to watch Notts' Jake Ball is the highest wicket taker in the 2020 Vitality Blast with 15 scalps so far. Fierce in the powerplay, he also has the ability to come back and be dangerous at the death.
Tickets This game is behind closed doors
Weather Light cloud and light winds
Prediction Notts
Where can I watch these matches?
Nottinghamshire's clash with Leicestershire will be televised on Sky Sports Cricket from 6pm. The rest will be live-streamed via county websites, Facebook pages and YouTube.
What are the latest odds?
Sussex (4/5) v Lancashire
Surrey (4/5) v Kent
Gloucestershire (4/5) v Northamptonshire (23/20)
Notts (4/11) v Leicestershire (5/2)
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