Image source, Getty Images

Durham began the campaign with two defeats in their opening three games but won six of their next seven to take control of their destiny.

Back-to-back defeats and a wash-out left things in the balance until the final round but a thumping win over Northants saw them secure second-spot, behind Lancashire and ahead of Bears and the Steelbacks.

The Hawks began with three consecutive wins to start the season and despite a wobble of one win from the next seven matches, three wins from the final four was enough for the Hawks to seal third spot ahead of Kent on net run rate, though both sides trailed Surrey and Somerset by four wins and 14 points in the standings.

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Ravi Bopara rolled back the years with a stunning 45-ball century as Northamptonshire beat Surrey by seven runs in a rain-shortened first T20 Blast quarter-final at The Oval less than 48 hours ago.

Former England all-rounder Bopara, 40, went in at number three after the first-ball dismissal of opener Ricardo Vasconcelos and led Northants' recovery from 1-2 to 154-4 from their 14 overs.

Bopara struck 12 fours and five sixes, reaching the third T20 century of his career with a boundary to fine leg off the penultimate ball of the innings and ending 105 not out off 46 balls.

Although Surrey kept up with the required run-rate for long spells of their chase, they also lost wickets at regular intervals.

Captain Sam Curran starred with an unbeaten 69 but his efforts proved in vain as the home side ended 147-6.

Click here for the match report.

Wednesday

Surrey v Northants Steelbacks - Northants won by seven runs

Friday

Durham v Hampshire Hawks

Saturday

Lancashire Lightning v Kent Spitfires (14:30)

Somerset v Bears

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Evening all, welcome to your weekend.

All eyes on Chester-le-Street tonight as we prepare for the second T20 Blast quarter-final as Durham welcome Hampshire Hawks, with the prize of a place at Finals Day at Edgbaston on 13 September at stake.

Durham have only made it to the last-four twice, and lost the 2016 final leaving them as one of four sides never to have lifted the trophy.

By contrast Hampshire have won three titles, the most recent a thriller in 2022, and are seeking a record-breaking 11th Finals Day appearance in 16 seasons as they pursue a fourth title which would make them the most successful in the history of the competition.

If Wednesday night's first quarter-final between Surrey and Northants is anything to go by, we're in for a treat, so settle in and let's bring you up to speed.