As the T20 Blast reignites in the latter half of the group stage, it’s been a thrilling race to the quarter-finals. The competition has seen remarkable individual performances, nail-biting finishes, and strategic masterstrokes. Birmingham Bears, Surrey, and Sussex have all punched their tickets to the knockouts, each with their unique tales of triumph. From Sam Hain’s relentless scoring spree to Luke Wood’s game-winning six, and the explosive batting displays from Sussex’s top order, the stage is set for a gripping conclusion to this season’s T20 Blast. Here’s a closer look at how these teams and their standout players have made their mark.
No Hate for Hain
When the T20 Blast resumed for the second half of the group stage, it felt like picking up an inning after a rain delay. Batters aimed to dominate the bowling early, while the fielding captain saw it as a chance to snag a wicket or two.
Sam Hain’s unbeaten 98 was crucial in the Birmingham Bears’ narrow victory over Yorkshire at Headingley. Hain’s innings epitomized the modern white-ball approach—anchoring from the sixth over to the end while smashing eight sixes and five fours, leading to a challenging target of 215, which proved five runs too many. He followed this with an undefeated 52 as the Bears secured a T20 Blast quarter-final spot by defeating Derbyshire.
Turning 29 this week, Hain boasts impressive averages of 58 in List A and 39 in T20 cricket. With England’s next white-ball series still a while away, and the first T20I against Australia coinciding with the Test against Sri Lanka, Hain could be on the selectors’ radar—unless a fresh talent catches their eye in The Hundred.
Wood Burns Worcestershire
Lancashire needs just one win from their remaining two fixtures to secure the second qualifying spot in the T20 Blast North Group, avoiding the dreaded net run rate calculations. Even a “match abandoned” could suffice, considering three of their four scheduled matches since the red-ball break ended in no results, including the always exciting Roses showdown on Friday night, weather permitting.
In their only completed match, Lancashire needed 53 runs from the last four overs, with five wickets down and relying on their all-rounders. Tom Hartley’s consecutive sixes in the 18th overturned the tide in Lancashire’s favour, but Matthew Waite’s consecutive wickets in the 19th brought Worcestershire back into contention. With Tom Bruce on 48 and six needed off two balls, it was up to Luke Wood to deliver. He did, smashing a six—a walk-off home run in baseball terms.
Wood checks many boxes for England—pacey, left-arm, capable of big hits down the order, and with substantial franchise experience. Although he played for England just ten months ago, he hasn’t been in top form this season, but he still has time to impress the selectors in this T20 Blast season.
Short Game and Long Hits
Northamptonshire faced a must-win eight-over shootout at home against Durham in the T20 Blast. Restricting Durham to 90 for five seemed advantageous, knowing how to pace their innings.
However, in such short games, winning the boundary count often determines the match outcome. Durham hit six fours and five sixes, while Northants struck eight fours and six sixes—securing a win with that boundary tally. Northants control their destiny, while Durham needs a lot of luck.
Who’s Next for Surrey’s Starting XI?
Surrey travelled to Chelmsford, missing several key players but knowing a win would secure their T20 Blast knockout spot. With only three specialist batters (Dom Sibley and Rory Burns, who also kept wickets) in their weakest format, and facing Essex’s experienced attack, a strong start was essential.
Will Jacks, pondering his Test future, delivered with a rapid 86, setting a par target of 190. Adam Rossington mirrored this for Essex, but after Cameron Steel dismissed Michael Pepper, only Luc Benkenstein reached double figures as Essex fell short.
Surrey will play in the T20 Blast knockouts, but their XI remains uncertain. Essex likely will too, and their lineup seems more predictable. It’s a quirky game.
Sussex’s Smiters Keep Them in the Game
For high-scoring games, look no further than Sussex in the T20 Blast. Since the Blast resumed, they’ve scored 190 for eight, 200 for seven, 203 for four, and 207 for two, securing two wins and a quarter-final berth.
Their top four batsmen have been crucial, often covering for one another. Against Glamorgan, Daniel Hughes scored 74 and Tom Clark 30; against Hampshire, Harrison Ward hit 39, Clark 37, and Tom Alsop 35; against Kent, Alsop blasted 87 from No 6; and against Essex, Hughes and Clark made 81 and 72, respectively.
While top-order stability doesn’t always guarantee T20 Blast wins, it usually provides a strong chance.
Is Somerset Set for Finals Day?
Victories over Surrey and Hampshire virtually ensure Somerset a quarter-final spot, leaving them one step from Finals Day. Some fans likely already have travel plans to Edgbaston for September 14.
If Somerset progresses—and it’s a safe bet—their passionate fans may be both a blessing and a curse in Birmingham. Finals Day should be a celebration of white-ball county cricket, deserving of fans cheering for all players and matches. It’s an event that remains a highlight in the cricket calendar, despite some overenthusiastic fans.
The crowd should bring the noise, not the silence, on county cricket’s biggest day out.