Northamptonshire Steelbacks arrive at Edgbaston for the greatest day in the domestic cricket calendar. After a memorable performance and result at The Oval last week, Darren Lehmann’s side qualified for T20 Vitality Blast Finals Day in style.
In all formats this summer, it has been the Vitality Blast that has captured the attention of the county, with thrilling performances and victories littered across the summer. Despite two more Rothesay County Championship matches still to play after this weekend, the culmination of the short format campaign and ultimately the Steelbacks’ season centers around tomorrow.
The Steelbacks face Hampshire Hawks in the second semi-final of the day after Lancashire Lightning and Somerset compete for a place in the final at 11am. Winners of both semi-finals will compete for the Vitality Blast trophy at 18:45.
Victory over Surrey potentially has overshadowed Northamptonshire’s hard-fought qualification to the last eight, with statement victories including one at tomorrow’s venue against Birmingham Bears and Derbyshire and Yorkshire beaten in style at The County Ground.
Matthew Breetzke will not be in the squad due to personal reasons, however Australian spinner, Lloyd Pope, has been granted permission to play for the Steelbacks by Cricket Australia. Oversees batter, Tim Robinson, is also available.
Tomorrow’s opponents, Hampshire, overcame Durham at Chester-Le-Street in an excellent performance to reach Finals Day. The impressive Toby Albert and former Steelback, Chris Lynn, crunched a rapid opening stand of 112 in just 9 overs as the Hawks amounted 221. Hosts, Durham, looked good for a place in the final four with Ollie Robinson smashing 60 from just 33 balls, however a lack of partners at the crease meant Hampshire held firm and booked their place at Edgbaston with a 26-run victory.
Finals Day will be televised live on Sky Sports with play starting at 11am. The Steelbacks’ semi-final is scheduled to start at 14:30.