Four English county cricket teams have secured their places in the T20 Blast semi-finals following a series of thrilling quarter-final matches. Somerset, Notts Outlaws, Hampshire Hawks, and Northamptonshire Steelbacks will now compete for the coveted trophy on Finals Day.
Somerset, the reigning champions, pulled off a remarkable comeback against Yorkshire at Headingley. Chasing 162, Somerset found themselves in deep trouble at 82-8 in the 15th over. However, Craig Overton produced an extraordinary innings, smashing 79 runs from just 30 balls, including three sixes in the final over, to snatch victory and ensure Somerset's sixth consecutive appearance at Finals Day.
Meanwhile, Notts Outlaws booked their first Finals Day spot since 2020 after a nail-biting encounter with Surrey at Trent Bridge. The Outlaws successfully defended their target of 164, with Olly Stone taking two crucial wickets in the final over to secure a seven-run victory. Jack Haynes was the standout batter for Notts, scoring an unbeaten 75 runs.
Hampshire Hawks demonstrated their dominance with a comprehensive 75-run win over Essex at Utilita Bowl. Captain James Vince led from the front, scoring an impressive 125 runs from 61 balls, marking the second-highest T20 score of the season. Sonny Baker then tore through the Essex batting line-up, claiming five wickets for 24 runs, as Hampshire reached their 12th T20 Finals Day, a joint record alongside Somerset.
Completing the final four, Northamptonshire Steelbacks secured a comfortable eight-wicket victory against Gloucestershire. Ben Sanderson was instrumental with the ball, taking 4-20 to restrict Gloucestershire. The Steelbacks, who were strong performers in the group stages, continued to show their championship credentials with a convincing performance.