Friday's T20 Blast as it happened

1. James Vince's 99 not out sees Hants beat Kent
2. Chris Gayle's last Somerset appearance is washed out by rain
3. Jacques Rudolph hits ton in Glamorgan win

And that is just about your lot. What a huge pity that the crowd at Taunton were denied a final chance to watch Chris Gayle in action before he heads off for the Caribbean Premier League, but there was plenty of excitement elsewhere with wins for Glamorgan, Lancashire, Birmingham Bears, Worcestershire, Hampshire and Essex.

We'll be back with more T20 Blast action for you next Friday. Please join us then.

ESSEX BEAT SUSSEX BY SEVEN WICKETS

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Essex made light work of Sussex at Hove, easing to their modest target of 141 by seven wickets, with 20 balls to spare.

The hard work was done in the field, with Shaun Tait's 3-29 backed up by the rest of the Essex attack in a superb bowling display.

Only the experienced Mahela Jayawardene, who hit his first T20 Blast half-century, offered any real resistance.

In reply, Essex lost Jesse Ryder early but a 99-run second-wicket stand between Mark Pettini (pictured) and Tom Westley saw them accelerate towards victory.

Full match scorecard here.

HAMPSHIRE BEAT KENT BY SIX WICKETS

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James Vince powered Hampshire to a six-wicket victory in difficult conditions after a delayed start against Kent in Canterbury.

With the game reduced to 18 overs, Sam Northeast's knock of 54, including seven fours and one six, steered Kent to a total of 183-5.

But Hampshire opener Vince batted superbly in his unbeaten 99, and shared by a 58-run stand with Sean Ervine (37).

Vince hit eight fours and five sixes from 57 deliveries as Hampshire surged to the top of the South Group table.

Full scorecard here.

WORCESTERSHIRE BEAT DURHAM BY THREE RUNS

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Saeed Ajmal took three wickets as Worcestershire pulled off an unlikely win against Durham at Chester-le-Street.

Captain Daryl Mitchell top scored for the visitors with 56 from 49 deliveries, while Tom Kohler-Cadmore smashed 53 off just 34 balls as the Rapids set Durham a target of 160 to win.

The hosts seemed to have victory in the bag at 110-3, but the Jets capitulated after Phil Mustard was caught at point attempting to reverse sweep Pakistan spinner Ajmal (3-16).

Despite some late fireworks from Gordon Muchall, who struck 18 off the final over, Worcestershire held on to take the points.

Full scorecard here.

BIRMINGHAM BEARS BEAT NOTTS BY SEVEN WICKETS (D-L METHOD)

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Birmingham Bears timed their run-chase to perfection after rain left them with a reduced-overs target at Edgbaston.

Seam bowler Oliver Hannon-Dalby took 4-29 as the trophy holders excelled in the field to restrict Notts to 149-9.

Riki Wessels struck three sixes in his 39 off 19 balls for Notts and Darren Sammy cleared the ropes twice in a rapid 23 and when home skipper Varun Chopra went second ball, they were still in the hunt.

Needing to score 98 from 11 overs, Ian Bell (38) and William Porterfield put on 67 for the Bears, and Porterfield (37 not out) was still there at the end to hit the winning boundary with four balls remaining.

Full scorecard here.

LANCASHIRE BEAT DERBYSHIRE BY 67 RUNS

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Lancashire Lightning skipper Steven Croft smashed his highest T20 score as last year's beaten finalists proved too strong for Derbyshire.

Croft hit two sixes and nine fours in his 94 not out off 51 balls and shared an unbroken stand of 151 with Australian James Faulkner, who contributed 47 off 30.

Derbyshire's run-chase never really got going once Chesney Hughes departed for 39 and their last seven wickets went down for just 35 runs in seven overs.

The final wicket was taken by 18-year-old Saqib Mahmood, who was making his senior debut for the home side.

Full match scorecard here.

GLAMORGAN BEAT GLOUCESTERSHIRE BY 19 RUNS

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Jacques Rudolph hit an unbeaten century as Glamorgan earned a comfortable victory over Gloucestershire at the County Ground.

Rudolph struck 101 from 71 balls for the visitors, who made 191 from their 20 overs to leave Gloucestershire a challenging total to chase down.

Michael Klinger made 104 not out from just 63 deliveries, but the captain was given little support from his teammates, with Geraint Jones the next highest scorer with 25.

Requiring 21 from the final over, the impressive Michael Hogan kept the hosts to just seven, as Glamorgan made it back-to-back wins

Read full match report here.

Before we bring our coverage of this evening's T20 Blast programme to a close, let's look back at what happened in the six matches that were played to a close, with Somerset's game against Surrey and Leicestershire's home fixture against Northants ending in no-results because of the weather.

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Sadly there was to be no on-field farewell from Chris Gayle tonight. Somerset's game with Surrey was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain.

BBC Sport's Nabil Hassan takes a look back at the best moments of his brief stay in the West Country.

Durham's Phil Mustard

"It's a very disappointing result. We were in pole position. We've had a big chat in the dressing room about it.

"We needed 54 with seven wickets in hand and for a team of our stature we should never get beat from that position.

"The boys are very disappointed. We didn't perform to our ability today and it was very disappointing.

"I don't think it was a case of lack of trying. You have to look at the bigger picture, we should have never taken it down to the last two overs, that's the biggest disappointment in the dressing room."

Notts all-rounder Darren Sammy

"We didn't score enough runs and when you have a shortened chase, 10 runs an over with nine wickets in hand you back yourself to get it, as they did.

"It is a disappointing end to my stay with the Outlaws but I have really enjoyed playing with the boys in the T20 Blast.

"When I came here I said I wanted to entertain and help them to be successful.

"They are a good bunch of lads and good cricketers and we are still third in the group, so I have no doubt that I will be back because I have full confidence that they will qualify."

So how do the two group tables look after this evening's games? Durham remain on top of North group despite defeat by Worcestershire, but Birmingham Bears have joined them on eight points and all the teams below them have at least two games in hand. In the South group, Hampshire are on top, courtesy of their dramatic win over Kent, but the two teams both have eight points, as do Essex, who are second on net run rate.

Derbyshire batsman Wayne Madsen

"Clearly the partnership between Croft and Faulkner took it away from us.

"A score of 200 is tough to chase. I thought we had a good crack.

"We played well early doors and were in a decent position - then we just lost wickets."

Birmingham Bears batsman Ian Bell

"Durham and Nottinghamshire are two of the better sides in the country so to take four points from those two games is brilliant.

"We did some really good stuff with the ball in particular tonight, especially Ollie Hannon-Dalby and Recordo Gordon, while Josh Poysden was outstanding.

"We chose to bowl first because the weather was likely to intervene. We knew that potentially it was going to be a shortened chase which puts it a little bit in favour of the side batting second.

"The target looked quite a big one in a way but we were quite happy with it."

Worcestershire captain Daryl Mitchell

"The most important thing was getting the two points and trying to force our way up the division. We got a decent score, perhaps just shy of par.

"I thought we started really poorly, we've set our standards higher than that in the past and I thought we didn't take control of the ball.

"Credit to the lads to show some spirit to fight back, helped by a little bit of magic from Saeed Ajmal.

"The wizard is back and that was a fantastic spell from him."

Join the debate at #bbccricket

BBC Radio Leicester's Richard Rae following abandonment of game against Northants at Grace Road: "Have to say that in 40 years never played or watched cricket in light like that! @leicsccc @NorthantsCCC #bbccricket"

HAMPSHIRE BEAT KENT BY SIX WICKETS

What a finish in the darkness in Canterbury considering just a few hours ago we weren't even sure we'd see the start of play. After a six-hour journey along the south coast, Hampshire sealed victory thanks to a fine knock from James Vince, who finished just a run short of acentury.

Let's not forget, in misty conditions with only 18 overs for each team to play, Kent set an impressive target of 184 thanks to Sam Northeast's half century and Alex Blake's knock of 49. But Hampshire opener Vince stole the show with a great display at the crease to power Hampshire to victory.

18 balls remain in Canterbury and James Vince is looking increasingly confident as he hits his sixth four of the night. It's all set up for a thrilling finish as things stand.

WICKET Ervine (c Bell-Drummond b Ball 37)

Well, the partnership of James Vince and Sean Ervine is broken as the latter is caught superbly by Daniel Bell-Drummond. Could this be the end of Hampshire's chase?

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Lancashire's Arron Lilley: "What a win! congrats to @Stevenjcroft and @JamesFaulkner44 on PB's! 150 stand, proper hitting! Boulder Rolling... Strong Unit"

Vince (36 balls, 4x4, 2x6)

James Vince reaches his half century with a fine display at the crease but his moment is spoilt somewhat, by the scoreboard at Canterbury failing to catch up with him.

Matt Coles misses a chance to catch James Vince and Hampshire pick up three - they are knocking around the required run-rate and could be on course to reach the target of 184 from 18 overs.

What a six from Sean Ervine and a huge finish to the 11th over! The charge is on now as we enter the closing stages of play in Canterbury, with Hampshire requiring 74 more in seven overs to seal victory.

Another eight overs to go in Canterbury with Hampshire needing 85 runs from 48 balls. Sean Ervine has had a great start since coming to the crease, hitting two sixes from seven balls.

WICKET Shah (lbw Stevens 18)

And Owais Shah is given lbw to Darren Stevens just as his partnership with James Vince looked like building Hampshire's run-rate going into the final 10 overs. Rain reduced this match to 18 overs per side, remember.

BreakingBIRMINGHAM BEARS BEAT NOTTS BY SEVEN WICKETS (D-L METHOD)

The T20 Blast holders make it four wins out of five in this year's competition as William Porterfield hits the winning boundary off Luke Fletcher with four balls remaining.

The Ireland batsman finishes unbeaten on 37 from 22 balls as they reach their revised target following a rain delay.

Earlier, he shared a second wicket stand of 67 in 6.1 overs with Ian Bell, who fell to Darren Sammy for 38.

Hampshire will need to up their run-rate if they are to challenge Kent's formidable total. James Vince is doing his best to keep their charge going, hitting three fours and two sixes for his unbeaten 24.

So, eight needed off the last two overs for the holders to register their fourth win of this season's competition, having been left with a revised target of 98 from 11 after a rain hold-up. Two successive fours by William Porterfield off Ben Hilfenhaus have made the Bears clear favourites.

BreakingWORCESTERSHIRE BEAT DURHAM BY THREE RUNS

A brilliant comeback from Worcestershire to earn a well-deserved victory at Chester-le-Street.

Durham looked to be cruising to their fifth win at 110-3 after 13 overs, but Phil Mustard's dismissal sparked a collapse of epic proportions to hand the visitors the two points.

Gordon Muchall struck a four and a six off the final two balls of the innings, but it was too little, too late for the Jets.

BreakingESSEX BEAT SUSSEX BY SEVEN WICKETS

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A comfortable win in the end, then, for Essex, set up by an excellent display in the field.

They limited Sussex to just 140-9 from their 20 overs, Shaun Tait starring with three wickets.

And despite the early loss of Jesse Ryder in their reply, Mark Pettini and Tom Westley took control as Essex strolled to their victory target with 20 balls to spare.

WICKET Bell (c Wessels b Sammy 38)

Just when it looked like Ian Bell was guiding the holders towards their target he holes out to Riki Wessels who is patrolling the boundary. Only four overs left for them to reach a revised target of 98 from 11 as Laurie Evans joins William Porterfield.

WICKET Adams (c Davies b Coles 16)

Just as Hampshire were making good progress, the partnership of James Vince and Jimmy Adams is broken as the latter is caught by Ryan Davies.

That's a blow to Hampshire as Adams was enjoying an impressive over, hitting 16 before he was dismissed.

England's Ian Bell launches Samit Patel for six over extra cover to end the sixth over and after partner William Porterfield picks up a single from the first ball of the next, clears the rope again off Darren Sammy. A boundary later in the over means the rate is now down to almost a run per ball as the Bears look to score 98 from 11 overs to win the match under Duckworth-Lewis provisions.

WICKET Arshad (c Whiteley b Ajmal 6)

Durham's last boundary came in the 12th over. Usman Arshad attempts to remedy that situation by launching Saeed Ajmal through the leg side. Unfortunately for the Durham all-rounder, he can't clear the boundary and is caught at deep mid wicket.

Pakistan spinner Ajmal finishes with impressive fixtures of 3-16 from his four overs.

WICKET Pettini (c Cachopa b Liddle 48)

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Mark Pettini, like Tom Westley before him, falls just short of a half-century but his work is done. It's comfortable for Essex, who should wrap up an easy victory in the next few minutes.

"No way back," says former Sussex captain Chris Adams on BBC Sussex.

An excellent over from Darren Sammy concedes only eight runs as last year's T20 Blast winners chase a revised target of 98 from 11 overs. Ian Bell and William Porterfield are the men at the crease, but the required rate is now close to 10 an over.

WICKET Carberry (c Davies b Coles)

A terrible start for Hampshire in their chase as they lose opener Michael Carberry from just the fourth ball of their innings after he's caught by Ryan Davies.

WICKET Westley (c Wright b Yardy 47)

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A second-wicket partnership of 99 between Mark Pettini and Tom Westley is ended as Luke Wright takes an excellent catch at cover to dismiss Westley three short of a deserved fifty.

Shouldn't make too much of a different though. Essex are strolling home.

WICKET Hastings (run out 4)

This is a truly remarkable turnaround at Chester-le-Street. Graham Muchall hits Moeen Ali to mid-wicket and sets off for a quick single, but John Hastings can't make up his ground and is run out at the keeper's end. Ali finishes with figures of 0-30 from his four overs.

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Somerset paceman Jamie Overton: "Been top drawer playing with #theworldboss @henrygayle"

Gloucestershire skipper Michael Klinger

"I could repeat my interview from the Essex game last night.

"While it was nice to get another hundred, you never enjoy it as much when you lose and we pretty much made the same mistakes, giving too many easy boundaries away in the early overs.

"We are missing Hamish Marshall with his injury, but it gives a chance for others to step up and it's an opportunity they have to take."

Rain stopped play

Nottinghamshire CCC: "It's slowing. Darren Sammy is helping the groundstaff move the covers off, and the stumps are back in. Game on #CricketHasLanded"

WICKET Pringle (st Cox b Ajmal 1)

Another gift from Durham. Ryan Pringle dances down the track to a quicker delivery from Saeed Ajmal, misses the ball completely and is yards out of his crease when keeper Ben Cox whips the bails off. Durham now require 48 from 36 balls, with five wickets in hand.

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It looks like Kent weren't put off by the late start and reduced number of overs! They have set a daunting target for Hampshire, thanks primarily to Sam Northeast (54) and Alex Blake (49 not out).

WICKET Mustard (c Kohler-Cadmore b Ajmal 43)

Another Durham batsman out trying the reverse sweep. It might look good when it pays off, but Phil Mustard gets this one all wrong, sending the ball straight to Tom Kohler-Cadmore for a simple catch at point off the bowling of Saeed Ajmal. Worcestershire will need a couple more quick wickets if they're to get back into contention though.

BreakingLANCASHIRE BEAT DERBYSHIRE BY 67 RUNS

What a moment for 18-year-old Saqib Mahmood, who marks his Lancashire first-team debut with the final wicket as they complete a comfortable victory with 10 balls to spare. Mahmood has Tony Palladino caught behind for figures of 1-14, but left-arm spinner Stephen Parry is Lancashire's star turn with the ball, claiming 4-16 - his best figures in the game's shortest format.

The halfway point of the Essex run chase, and they're flying. Mark Pettini and Tom Westley are in full control here, and the visitors need 60 from the last 10 overs.

Glamorgan captain Jacques Rudolph

"It was quite a clinical performance with the bat. In the field it was very tough conditions. It was dark and the ball was sopping wet.

"We have turned the corner and have a lot of momentum now going into the Somerset game tomorrow.

"It's a nice mental barrier that I have broken by scoring my first T20 hundred today."

WICKET Thakor (lbw b Parry 7)

The game looks like ending with a whimper rather than a bang as Derbyshire's decline continues. Shiv Thakor is adjudged lbw, giving left-arm spinner Stephen Parry 3-10 from his 2.1 overs so far.

Alex Blake hits two sixes and two fours to boost Kent's hopes going into their final over.

WICKETS Elstone (c Lilley b Parry 7) Poynton (c Lilley b Parry 6)

Derbyshire move into 'needing a miracle' territory as two wickets go down in the space of four balls. Scott Elstone lofts a ball from Stephen Parry into the distance and Arron Lilley takes an excellent catch, and Tom Poynton departs in identical fashion as Lancashire look to mop up the tail.

WICKET Collingwood (b Mitchell 0)

Having looked in complete control of the game, Durham have handed Worcestershire a lifeline. Paul Collingwood is out for a first-ball duck, Daryl Mitchell taking his off stump clean out of the ground. Graham Muchall survives the hat-trick ball.

WICKET MacLeod (b Mitchell 13)

An absolute gift from Calum MacLeod. He's out trying to reverse sweep Daryl Mitchell - instead, he drags the ball down onto his leg stump.

Duckworth-Lewis

The rain has relented at Edgbaston and they will get under way again at 21:10 BST, with Birmingham facing a revised target of 98 off 11 overs.

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Essex have picked up the pace again and not even the experience of Michael Yardy can stem the flow of runs. Mark Pettini hits Yardy's first two deliveries for four, then Tom Westley plonks him out of the ground for six.

Just 78 more needed from 13 overs.

WICKET Stevens (c Adams b Arafat 25)

Pointing out Darren Stevens' fine spell at the crease must have been tempting fate, as he's been dismissed by Yasir Arafat for 25, leaving Kent five wickets down with another three overs to face.

Durham are easing to their target at Chester-le-Street. The hosts harvest 17 runs from spinners Saeed Ajmal and Moeen Ali, before Calum MacLeod and Phil Mustard add 10 more from Rapids captain Daryl Mitchell's first over.

Kent veteran Darren Stevens is enjoying a decent spell at the crease as he moves on to 23 with his second six. Kent looking more and more comfortable as the overs progress. Only four overs of their allotted 18 remaining.

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Matt Machan almost takes a tremendous catch on the boundary but Essex batsman Mark Pettini survives - and picks up four runs, too.

WICKET Godleman (b Bailey 18)

The Von Trapp family sing out 'so long, farewell' from the Sound of Music soundtrack via the Old Trafford PA system as Billy Godleman is bowled by pace bowler Tom Bailey, who has figures of 2-24 after three overs. Lancashire are very definitely in the box seat here.

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After some early fireworks from Essex opener Jesse Ryder, Sussex have fought back brilliantly with a couple of tight overs. Just five runs added from overs three and four.

BBC Sport's Elizabeth Ammon at Grace Road: "Franchises won't make the slightest bit of difference when the weather is like it has been here. It would still have been miserable."

WICKET Stoneman (c Kohler-Cadmore b Shantry 35)

Worcestershire captain Daryl Mitchell brings Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal into the attack and is rewarded with a maiden over. Jack Shantry tempts Mark Stoneman into attempting another big hit, but instead he finds Tom Kohler-Cadmore at mid-off. A crucial wicket for the Rapids, and only two runs from the over.

WICKET C Hughes (c Prince b Lilley 39)

That could be almost game over at Old Trafford as the powerful Chesney Hughes holes out at long-on from Arron Lilley's off-spin. The required run-rate is more than 12 an over as Wayne Madsen walks out to the middle to join Billy Godleman. Katy Perry's Roar blares out over the PA system - do Derbyshire have a lionheart in their ranks who can steer them to victory?

WICKET Northeast (c Wood b Edwards 54)

Just one ball after reaching his half century, Sam Northeast is well caught by Chris Wood. Alex Blake now joins Darren Stevens at the crease.

BreakingLEICESTERSHIRE V NORTHANTS - NO RESULT

The umpires have called the game off at Grace Road with Leicestershire 11 balls short of completing enough overs for a result to count.

Mark Stoneman is leading the charge for Durham, as the Jets get off to a flyer in their reply against Worcestershire. He has a six and six fours as he races to 35 from 13 balls.

WICKET Ryder (b Mills 14)

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Jesse Ryder hit two of Tymal Mills' first three balls for six, but the left-armer gets his revenge as he clean bowls the New Zealand international with a slower ball for 14. Mills, against his former county, enjoys the wicket - as you might expect.

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Under the lights at Hove, Essex are chasing 141 for victory against Sussex. Big-hitting Jesse Ryder has plonked Tymal Mills' first ball into the stands for six.

Derbyshire are ahead of Lancashire's scoring rate in the first half of their innings, but it is going to take something special to get them home from here after the superb partnership by Steven Croft and James Faulkner earlier on. Chesney Hughes looks to be the best hope for the Falcons, 30 not out off 25 balls.

WICKET Cowdrey (b Briggs 13)

Despite a bright start for Fabian Cowdrey after hitting two fours, he falls after being bowled by spinner Danny Briggs for just 13 runs.

It doesn't look like we're going to see any more play at Grace Road, that's the view of Leicestershire head coach Andrew McDonald. A shame, as the match looked set for a close finish. The two sides will take a point each from this one if the teams don't make it back out to the middle.

Rain stops play

They're off for rain at The Oval, too. England gave their chase of 399 a real go but they will fall just short of victory if the weather doesn't relent.

Follow the latest here.

Eight overs gone in Kent's reduced-over game at Canterbury with another 10 to go. Fortunately for the hosts, they have Sam Northeast - the T20 Blast's leading run scorer this season - at the crease. He's just hit his sixth four of the night and is looking in good form.

Still off at Edgbaston...

Things are not looking good at Edgbaston as the rain fills in and gets heavier in Birmingham. The Bears were favourites to win the game after Notts posted only 149-9, but the Outlaws had taken the early wicket of Varun Chopra before the weather turned.

If we don't get out on the field again, both sides will have to settle for a point each.

BreakingGLAMORGAN BEAT GLOUCESTERSHIRE BY 19 RUNS

And it's all over in Bristol as, despite Michael Klinger's fine knock of 104 from 63 balls, Gloucestershire have fallen 19 runs short. However, it has been a fine night for both captains as Klinger joined Jacques Rudolph in hitting a century in testing conditions.

It looked like the 192-run target might be unattainable for Gloucestershire early in their innings when the weather and light took a turn for the worse, but Klinger hit 10 fours and three sixes as he almost steered the hosts to an unlikely victory.

Despite Klinger's heroics, Gloucestershire lost for the second night in a row.

Bad light stops play

Having made just six runs in the first over, Leicestershire add 19 from their next two. Kevin O'Brien has 12 from just six deliveries, but he's then bowled by veteran Northants seamer Azharullah. And with that, the players are taken off for bad light. Remember, both sides must face at least five overs if we are to get a result.

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Mahela Jayawardene's first half-century in the T20 Blast was much needed. It's got Sussex to a total that they may just be able to defend. Fair play to Essex though, it's a superb bowling display from the visitors, led by Shaun Tait's 3-29.

"One of the finest fielding performances I've seen," says BBC Essex commentator Paul Newton.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore brings up his second T20 half century with successive boundaries off the bowling of John Hastings. He finishes 53 not out from only 34 balls, his highest score in this format. Ben Cox picks up a single to end the innings, and group leaders Durham will require 160 to win.

WICKET Dilshan (c Davies b Bailey 21)

After youngster Saqib Mahmood bowls two tidy overs at a cost of 14 in his debut performance for Lancashire, Tom Bailey strikes a crucial blow by removing Tillakaratne Dilshan. The Sri Lankan skies a catch to wicketkeeper Alex Davies, having hit a six and a four earlier in the over.

100 Klinger (61 balls, 10x4, 3x6)

A remarkable record for Michael Klinger. His second century in consecutive days after his ton against Essex in Chelmsford last night.

But it might have come too late for Gloucestershire.

WICKET Munro (run out 10)

Usman Arshad almost has a second wicket, but Gordon Muchall can't take a difficult chance at long off. He's brought up to mid off for the next delivery, only to see the ball sail over his head for four more. But Durham get the breakthrough when Calum MacLeod runs out Colin Munro with a direct hit at the non-striker's end.

WICKET Noema-Barnett (c Ingram b Wagg 3)

A wicket has come at completely the wrong time for Gloucestershire as Kieran Noema-Barnett is bowled by Graham Wagg. To make matters worse, Michael Klinger crosses himself, meaning the the first ball of the final over will be faced by Benny Howell.

WICKET Eckersley (c Wakely b Kleinveldt 0)

Leicestershire get off to the worst possible start in their run chase against Northants. Steelbacks seamer Rory Kleinveldt finds Ned Eckersley's edge and Alex Wakely makes no mistake with the catch. Only two leg byes follow, until Kevin O'Brien gets off the mark with a boundary from the last ball of the over.

WICKET Yardy (c Ryder b Tait 5)

Mahela Jayawardene is nearing a half-century but Sussex are struggling to post a competitive total. Shaun Tait has 3-25, Michael Yardy his latest scalp.

Rain stops play

Finally, Edgbaston succumbs to the rain. After escaping it for the whole of the Notts innings, the players leave the field for the first time moments after Australian Ben Hilfenhaus picks up the wicket of Varun Chopra.

WICKET Jones (b Hogan 25)

And Geraint Jones is out, setting up a thrilling final two overs in Bristol with Gloucestershire chasing 36 runs from the final twlve balls. Kieran Noema-Barnett joins captain Michael Klinger at the crease.

WICKETS Mitchell (c MacLeod b Arshad 56) Whiteley (lbw Arshad 0)

Daryl Mitchell's innings comes to an end as he holes out to Calum MacLeod at long on, off the bowling of Usman Arshad. The Durham seamer strikes again two balls later, as Ross Whiteley is trapped in front for a dreaded golden duck.

WICKET Durston (c Croft b Faulkner 0)

Having tormented Derbyshire with the bat, Steven Croft and James Faulkner combine to send back Wes Durston for a golden duck. An outside edge is safely taken by Croft at slip - the worst possible start for the Falcons as they chase a tough target.

Michael Klinger is keeping Gloucestershire's slim hopes of a remarkable victory alive in tricky conditions in Bristol. He's closing in on his century, having hit his third six of the night.

WICKET Chopra (c Wessels b Hilfenhaus 0)

Perfect start for Notts as Bears captain Varun Chopra edges to Riki Wessels at slip off Ben Hilfenhaus.

WICKET Denly (b Edwards 6)

Play has finally got under way in Canterbury! But, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, Kent have lost opener Joe Denly after he was bowled by Fidel Edwards.

WICKET Beer (c Ryder b Topley 4)

Crucial part of the Sussex innings here but they're still losing wickets at bad times. Reece Topley gets rid of Will Beer, and more pressure is piled on the shoulders of Mahela Jayawardene, who's still there on 41 not out.

What can Shahid Afridi do with Northants' last over? Not much it turns out, as Clint McKay limits the scoring to just a single bye. Fantastic bowling at the death from the veteran Australian seamer. His Leicestershire side will need 99 to win from their 11 overs.

Ben Duckett is hitting Leicestershire's bowlers to all corners at Grace Road. He takes 20 from Tom Wells' last over, with two sixes and two fours. Shahid Afridi, meanwhile, is on 11 from five deliveries so far. He'll take strike to start the final over of this rain-affected match.

Could Gloucestershire's luck be about to change? Michael Klinger has just been dropped on 71 by Graham Wagg and has hit his second six of the night. They're still far below the required run-rate but they're playing some entertaining cricket.

Mitchell (43 balls, 4x4s)

An important half century for Worcestershire opener Daryl Mitchell, his fifth in T20 cricket. He brings up the milestone with a glance down leg side off Chris Rushworth that runs all the way to the boundary.

WICKET Brown (c Bopara b Tait 7)

You can't keep Ravi Bopara out of the action at the moment. Having taken the wicket of Craig Cachopa, he now takes the catch that dismisses Ben Brown. Sussex in a little trouble here.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore hits leg-spinner Scott Borthwick for successive boundaries to move on to 25 from just 15 deliveries. Daryl Mitchell brings up Worcestershire's 100 by working Paul Collingwood for two. That brings up the 50 partnership between these two batsmen as well.

Despite all the rain around Edgbaston, Notts have managed their full 20 overs. But it will be the Bears who are the happier at the break, despite Jake Ball hitting the final ball of the innings for six.

Oliver Hannon-Dalby took the wicket of Ben Hilfenhaus in the final over to finish with fantastic figures of 4-29.

Quiz answers

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A little earlier, we asked you to name the six players to have taken 100 or more wickets in domestic T20 cricket in England.

Well, here are the answers.

Yasir Arafat, currently turning his arm over for Hampshire, leads the way with 142. He's followed by Azhar Mahmood (137), Alfonso Thomas (111), Rich Pyrah (104), Samit Patel (104) and Danny Briggs (101).

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James Faulkner hits two sixes in the penultimate over off Nathan Rimmington, who also concedes six no-balls with a full toss that flies over the batsman's head. Wayne White gives away four wides down the leg side to start the final over and Chesney Hughes then drops Lancashire skipper Steven Croft, who smashes two boundaries to finish on 94 not out. His 151-run partnership with James Faulkner (47 not out) is a Lancashire record for the fourth wicket in T20. Derbyshire will have to bat really well to get close to their target.

WICKET Wakely (b Naik 12)

Having plundered 13 runs from Leicestershire seamer Kevin O'Brien's first over, Northamptonshire then lose Alex Wakely two balls later. That dismissal brings Shahid Afridi to the crease. How the Steelbacks could use some fireworks from the man they call "Boom Boom" now.

WICKET Machan (c ten Doeschate b Napier 10)

Graham Napier has been expensive for Essex so far, but he has his first wicket, removing Matt Machan for 10 and leaving much of the onus on Mahela Jayawardene if Sussex are going to get a big score.

WICKET Handscomb (c Wagg b Salter 9)

A disappointing night for Gloucestershire is compounded as Peter Handscomb is bowled by Andrew Salter for just 9. That's four single-figure scores in the four T20 Blast matches Handscomb has played this season.

WICKET S Wood (c Porterfield b Hannon-Dalby 9)

That's two in two balls for Oliver Hannon-Dalby, who now has three wickets this evening, Sam Wood plays straight into the hands of William Porterfield. Notts have lost their way here.

Match abandoned

BBC Sport's Nabil Hassan at Taunton:

"It may be tipping it down here but Somerset fans are waiting in the rain to get a piece of history with the main man Chris Gayle, who is working through the crowds taking selfies and signing autographs. A class act."

Gloucestershire are 29 runs behind on Duckworth Lewis after 11 overs in Bristol. Unless they can up their run-rate, it looks like Glamorgan are set for victory.

WICKET Sammy (c Clarke b Hannon-Dalby 23)

No more fireworks tonight from Darren Sammy as he drives Oliver Hannon-Dalby down the ground and is caught by Rikki Clarke for a 18-ball 23.

We're past the halfway point of Worcestershire's innings at Durham, and the visitors are rebuilding after losing Moeen Ali and Richard Oliver in quick succession. Daryl Mitchell has made a steady 32 from 30 balls, while youngster Tom Kohler-Cadmore moves into double figures with a four off Paul Collingwood, a mere 19 years his senior.

Morgan departs

PA

Over at The Oval, it's in the balance. Eoin Morgan looked like leading England to an unlikely victory over New Zealand, but he's just been dismissed for 88 off 47 balls.

England need 125 to win off 88 balls.

WICKETS Levi (c Wells b Sheikh 17) Cobb (c Wells b Sheikh 13)

Northants are in all sorts of trouble at Grace Road now. First Richard Levi finds Leicestershire fielder Tom Wells in the deep off the bowling of Atif Sheikh, before opening partner Josh Cobb does exactly the same thing from the next delivery.

Ben Duckett sees off the hat-trick ball. Sheikh has 2-13 from his three overs.

BBC Essex's Ben Fryer: "So Chris Gayle's #T20 Blast is over. 3 innings - 92, 151*, 85*. AVG 328.00. Only man to get him out was @reece_topley @EssexCricket"

WICKET Cachopa (b Bopara 9)

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Craig Cachopa is gone, bowled by England's forgotten man Ravi Bopara. Sussex's innings could go either way here.

WICKET Taylor (c Hogan b Cosker 3)

Well Jack Taylor's promotion up the batting order hasn't aided Gloucestershire's cause much! He managed just three runs before he was bowled by Dean Cosker.

Craig Cachopa has joined Mahela Jayawardene at the crease for Sussex and has just launched Graham Napier for a huge six. The evergreen Jayawardene has 20 off 13 balls.

This has been a crucial partnership for Lancashire between skipper Steven Croft and James Faulkner, adding 94 so far for the fourth wicket. Croft collects a six - onto the upper balcony - and two boundaries off Nathan Rimmington to reach 70 not out - can he make it to three figures in the three overs remaining?

Quiz time

Getty Images/BBC Sport

If Kent spinner James Tredwell claims his 100th wicket this evening, he will be the seventh player to reach that particular milestone.

Can you name the other six? We'll give you a few minutes to have a think and then we'll reveal the answers. No prizes, it's just for fun.

WICKET J Taylor (lbw b Clarke 23)

Not a brilliant day for James Taylor. After being released by England to play for Notts, he spent much of the day in a traffic jam - and now he's back in the pavilion for 23 after being trapped lbw by Rikki Clarke.

WICKET Oliver (c Rushworth b Collingwood 2)

Worcestershire have lost another wicket at Chester-le-Street, and it's Paul Collingwood who's made the breakthrough. Richard Oliver top-edges a loose cut shot and Chris Rushworth takes the catch at short third man.

WICKET Cockbain (c Ingram b Wagg 15)

Cockbain walks for 15 after he's bowled by Graham Wagg. The rainy weather in Bristol means that Jack Taylor is promoted up the Gloucestershire batting order as they try to reach the Duckworth Lewis target.

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Darren Sammy, who smashed 36 from 16 balls for Notts last week at Worcestershire, is getting his eye in at Edgbaston, hitting two sixes in three balls to move on to 16 not out.

BreakingMatch abandoned

BBC Sport's Nabil Hassan at Taunton:

"Sadly Chris Gayle's big farewell is over without a ball being bowled. Somerset v Surrey abandoned."

Back under way at Grace Road after that long rain delay. Leicestershire's bowlers are doing a good job of keeping the run rate down, with only 12 more added to the Northamptonshire total so far. Remember, it is 11 overs each.

Team news

After several delays in Canterbury, play will finally get under way an hour later than scheduled. It's 18 overs per side, with a five-over powerplay.

Kent: Northeast (capt), Bell-Drummond, Denly, Cowdrey, Stevens, Blake, Ball, Coles, Davies, Tredwell, Claydon, Riley, Hunn.

Hampshire: Vince (capt), Carberry, Adams, Shah, Ervine, Smith, Dawson, Wood, Arafat, Edwards, Briggs, Berg, Wheater, Bird.

WICKET Nash (c Napier b Topley 22)

Chris Nash offers a simple catch to Graham Napier at mid-wicket and Essex seamer Reece Topley has his first wicket of the evening.

Lancashire batsman Paul Horton: "We want to be getting at least 60 off the last six overs, that's a par score here at Old Trafford."

We are guaranteed a result in Bristol as the required five overs have been reached in Gloucestershire's reply. Michael Klinger, a centurion last night, has enjoyed a decent spell with the bat, hitting four boundaries and a six for his unbeaten 27.

WICKET (Smith lbw b Poysden 9)

Notts lose their fifth wicket as Greg Smith is trapped leg before by a low full toss from Josh Poysden.

But that brings West Indies international Darren Sammy to the crease, in his final appearance of a four-match stint with the Outlaws.

Famous last words by us about Tony Palladino's economy as James Faulkner mows the first ball of his final over over the rope at mid-wicket and drives the next ball through mid-on for four. Boundaries through fine leg and square leg by Steven Croft make it an over to forget for the Derbyshire seamer, who ends his spell with figures of 1-39.

WICKET Ali (c Jennings b Rushworth 26)

Big wicket for Durham. Moeen Ali looked set to make a big score, but he skies a Chris Rushworth delivery to Keaton Jennings deep on the leg side boundary.

WICKET Wright (c Foster b Tait 20)

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Essex make a big breakthrough. Luke Wright was looking in decent form, but he edges Australian pace bowler Shaun Tait behind to James Foster to fall for 20.

We are approaching the fifth over in Bristol, with poor light conditions threatening play. We could see an early finish at Nevil Road if Duckworth Lewis is taken into account as Gloucestershire are far from the required run-rate. The umpires look concerned once more.

WICKET Patel (b Patel 4)

The Bears have really come back well after the powerplay overs and Jeetan Patel gets his namesake Samit. Notts have lost three wickets for 15 runs.

Thirty-somethings Wes Durston and Tony Palladino have 'been around the block' as far as county cricket is concerned and are doing a good job for Derbyshire, both conceding only 18 runs from their first three overs. Skipper Steven Croft and Australian James Faulkner are at the crease for Lancashire Lightning and need to up the scoring rate in the second half of the innings.

Uncertainty in Bristol, where the umpires are discussing the ominous dark skies and wet weather around Nevil Road.

Having taken an over to get his eye in, Moeen Ali sends Durham off-spinner Ben Pringle's first delivery straight back over his head for six. Moeen keeps up the assault by hammering Chris Rushworth down the ground for four more in the next over. The England man moves on to 19 from 14 deliveries.

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Three boundaries in the over for captain Luke Wright and Sussex race to 25-0 off three overs.

Good news from Grace Road, the rain has relented and play is set to resume at 19:20 BST. It will now be an 11-over match.

The visitors have kept things tight at Hove, conceding just 11 from the first two overs. Former Sussex captain Chris Adams, summarising for BBC Sussex, says 40 will be a good target to reach by the end of the powerplay.

Durham seamer John Hastings sends down three dot balls to Moeen Ali, but the Worcestershire left-hander then gets off the mark with a four through the covers. Only one more run comes from the last two balls though - a tidy start for Durham.

WICKET B Taylor (c Javid b Clarke 15)

It's a double blow for Notts as Rikki Clarke strikes to remove former Zimbabwe international Brendan Taylor.

WICKET Livingstone (b Durston 15)

Liam Livingstone may have made 350 in a club-match innings earlier this summer, but there was no sign of any fireworks from him at Old Trafford this evening. Having managed only one boundary in 15 balls, he attempts to reverse sweep Wes Durston's off-spin and is bowled.

WICKET Dent (c Salter b Hogan 1)

Not a great start for Gloucestershire in the dark skies of Bristol where the umbrellas are being opened. Chris Dent's night has gone from bad to worse. After dropping Jacques Rudolph earlier, he's out after just seven balls as he's dismissed by Michael Hogan.

The weather's grim in Somerset...

BBC Sport's Nabil Hassan in Taunton:

"Still bucketing it down here in Taunton and we've just had a couple of pant-clad streakers who had great fun sliding over the plastic pitch covers. It raised a few cheers but spirits are low here, with the chances of play becoming increasingly unlikely."

WICKET Wessels (c Chopra b Gordon 39)

Notts batsman Riki Wessels goes from the final ball of the powerplay as he loops one up to Varun Chopra to give Recordo Gordon a wicket in his first over. But it's a useful knock by the opener as he smashed three sixes in making 39 from 19 balls.

BBC Radio Manchester

Off the field at Old Trafford, BBC Radio Manchester's Liam Bradford has been talking cricket with the legendary Farokh Engineer, who played 46 Tests for India and also played at county level for Lancashire.

WICKET Brown (c C Hughes b Palladino) 8

Karl Brown - playing his 50th T20 game for Lancashire, as we said earlier - goes for a big swipe, but Chesney Hughes takes a good catch inches inside the boundary at long-on. An important breakthrough for the Falcons with Liam Livingstone yet to find his touch at the other end. "We've lost two wickets, but that's no trainwreck seven overs in," says Lancashire batsman Paul Horton, who is not playing this evening.

Gayle force

Getty Images/BBC Sport

The covers are still on at Taunton, where we're waiting for the start of play between Somerset and Surrey and Chris Gayle's final farewell.

When Gayle signed, Somerset supporters would have accepted a batting average of 328 and a strike rate of 192.94 from their star arrival.

At the start of play this evening, only Kent's Sam Northeast (344) has scored more T20 Blast runs in 2015 - and he's had three more innings than Gayle.

100 Rudolph (70 balls, 13x4)

A great end to the innings for Glamorgan as Jacques Rudolph finishes unbeaten on 101. The South African hits his first century in T20 cricket, including 13 fours, leaving Gloucestershire chasing 192 for victory in Bristol.

WICKET Prince (lbw White 19)

Ashwell Prince is dropped at square leg by Billy Godleman, but does not make Derbyshire pay for the error as Wayne White traps the South African left-hander lbw with the final ball of the same over.

Who is Saqib Mahmood?

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Lancashire debutant Saqib Mahmood is aged 18 years 107 days and has played Test and one-day cricket for the England Under-19 team. He was born in Birmingham, but grew up in Rochdale, and was awarded his first professional contract by Lancashire ahead of the 2015 season.

Named England Development Programme Cricketer of the Year last month (see photo), he gets his chance this evening because George Edwards has been ruled out for up to eight weeks with a side strain.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Northants Cricket on Twitter: "The rain has stopped at Leicestershire... Umpires to have a look at 7. #LetsGoSteelbacks"

Team news

Worcestershire have won the toss at Chester-le-Street and have chosen to bat first.

Mark Stoneman replaces Graham Clark for North Group leaders Durham, while visitors Worcestershire are unchanged from the side that lost their last fixture to Nottinghamshire.

Durham Jets: Stoneman (capt), Mustard, Macleod, Collingwood, Arshad, Muchall, Pringle, Hastings, Jennings, Rushworth, Borthwick.

Worcestershire Rapids: Mitchell (capt), Ali, Oliver, Munro, Kohler-Cadmore, Whitely, Cox, Barnard, Leach, Ajmal, Shantry, D'Oliveira.

WICKET Mullaney (c Porterfield b Hannon-Dalby 6)

Notts lose their first wicket as Steven Mullaney, promoted to open in the absence of England's Alex Hales, tries to go big but slices to Will Porterfield off Oliver Hannon-Dalby.

Team news

Essex have won the toss and will bowl first in their South Group match with Sussex at Hove.

Essex make one change from the team that beat Gloucestershire last night, welcoming back left-arm seamer Reece Topley, while Sussex's powerful batting line-up contains captain Luke Wright and Sri Lanka international Mahela Jayawardene.

Sussex: Wright (capt), Nash, Jayawardene, Cachopa, Machan, Brown, Beer, Yardy, Mills, Robinson, Liddle.

Essex: Ryder, Westley, Bopara, Pettini, ten Doeschate (capt), Foster, Napier, Browne, Masters, Tait, Topley.

WICKET Cooke (c & b Payne 20)

And it's an incredible catch in Bristol as David Payne shows his reflexes to dismiss Chris Cooke. Eight balls to go.

England in trouble?

At The Oval, England have lost three quick wickets and are now in a period of recovery at 151-3, chasing 399 to beat New Zealand.

Into the final three overs in Bristol. Can Jacques Rudolph reach his century? The Glamorgan captain needs another 17 runs with 18 balls of the innings remaining.

Team news

Birmingham Bears have won the toss and will field first against Notts at Edgbaston.

Ian Bell will open for the Bears after his match-winning knock at Durham last weekend, while James Taylor captains Notts after being overlooked by England.

Birmingham Bears: Chopra, Bell, Porterfield, Evans, Clarke, Ambrose, Javid, Patel, Gordon, Poysden, Hannon-Dalby.

Nottinghamshire Outlaws: Mullaney, Wessels, B. Taylor, Patel, J. Taylor, Sammy, Smith, Wood, Ball, Fletcher, Hilfenhaus.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Shahid Afridi/Twitter

Northamptonshire all-rounder Shahid Afridi on Twitter: "Thanks for all the support, even in the rain."

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Surrey Cricket on Twitter: "Umpires have been to the middle at Taunton but its still raining so nothing to report..."

WICKET Ingram (lbw b Howell 28)

And the second wicket of the night falls as Glamorgan's Colin Ingram is trapped lbw by Benny Howell, just one ball after he was dropped by Ian Cockbain.

We're into the last 30 balls of Glamorgan's innings in Bristol and Jacques Rudolph is still at the crease, with the South African left-hander forming a fine partnership with Colin Ingram. They've put on 50 runs in the last five overs and look well set for a decent finish to the innings.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Kent Cricket on Twitter: "Start re-scheduled to 7.15pm due to M26 crash traffic delays for Hampshire players and supporters. We'll keep you posted on any other delays."

Team news

BBC Radio Manchester

Derbyshire skipper Wes Durston has won the toss and opted to field first at Old Trafford, and the visitors keep the same XI that lost by six wickets to Northants Steelbacks on Thursday.

It's a notable evening for 18-year-old seam bowler Saqib Mahmood, who makes his first-team debut for Lancashire. Batsman Karl Brown, meanwhile, plays his 50th T20 game for the Red Rose.

Lancashire Lightning: Croft (capt), Prince, Livingstone, Brown, Davies, Faulkner, Clark, Lilley, Parry, Bailey, Mahmood.

Derbyshire Falcons: Durston (capt), Dilshan, Hughes, Madsen, Elstone, Thakor, Godleman, Poynton, White, Palladino, Rimmington.

BBC Radio Leicester's Jason Bourne at Grace Road:

"I'd be very surprised, given the current weather conditions here, if we see any kind of play at Grace Road this evening."

A let off for Glamorgan as Chris Dent drops the catch that could have sent Jacques Rudolph on his way. Otherwise, the South African has looked comfortable at the crease, hitting nine fours for his unbeaten 65.

BBC Sport's Nabil Hassan at Taunton:

"If things brighten up before 19:58 BST we'll have a five-over shootout here between Somerset and Surrey.

"We're getting the full weather-related repertoire here in Taunton: Umbrella. Why does it always rain on me? Sunshine on a rainy day. Raindrops keep falling on my head..."

Any other rain-related songs they could play at Taunton? That's a Twitter topic if ever we've seen one.

Get in touch using #bbccricket.

Bell back among the runs

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After making 90 in Birmingham Bears' win over Durham last weekend, England batsman Ian Bell hopes to continue that form tonight against Nottinghamshire Outlaws - weather permitting of course...

"It was great to free up and play a few shots," said Bell. "In a perfect world I would have seen the job through and finished with 100 not out, but I guess if someone had offered me 90 at the start I would have accepted it.

"It was a really good win for us. The guys have put a great platform down in the group so hopefully we can build on that against Notts.

"Even missing a couple of guys away with England, they are a strong team, but I'm really looking forward to playing for the Bears at Edgbaston again in front of a big crowd."

England openers start well

PA

Well, England's bowling display wasn't the greatest at The Oval earlier on, but they've made a good start as they chase 399 to win the second one-day international against New Zealand.

Openers Alex Hales and Jason Roy are still at the crease, with England 77-0 in the 12th over.

Follow live text commentary here.

WICKET Meschede (c Cockbain b Howell 26)

And Gloucestershire have finally broken what looked to be a rather formidable partnership of Jacques Rudolph and Craig Meschede, with the latter being dismissed by Benny Howell.

But there is cause for celebration at the crease as Rudolph reaches his 50 from the next ball.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Durham CCC: "Blue skies overhead - we'll have news from the toss at 6.30pm. #DurhamJets"

BBC Radio Leicester's Richard Rae at Grace Road:

"We could be looking at 12 overs apiece if the rain stops quickly. If it doesn't, I think we could be looking at a five-over slog here."

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Essex Cricket on Twitter: "The rain is still staying away on Hove with bad weather forecast for 7pm #FingersCrossed"

Well, the weather is having an effect early in this evening's schedule.

Two more matches are due to begin at 18:30 BST - Lancashire v Derbyshire and Birmingham Bears v Nottinghamshire.

Glamorgan have started well over the Severn Bridge in Bristol. Jacques Rudolph looks to be enjoying himself at the crease. The South African has hit six fours tonight, with three coming in the sixth over alone. David Payne has gone for 30 runs from his two overs so far.

Rain stops play

Leicestershire bowler Atif Sheikh thinks he has Northants opener Richard Levi caught off the first ball of the innings, but the umpire says not out. Levi then responds by crashing Sheikh to the boundary for four off his next delivery. The seamer sends down three dot balls to end the over.

Sadly, the players are then sent back to the pavilion as the rain starts falling again. We could be in for a lengthy delay here.

Fore! Gayle goes golfing

ECB

While we're waiting for some play at Taunton, watch Chris Gayle go all Happy Gilmore as he tries his hand at golf with Somerset team-mate Peter Trego.

Loving those trousers, by the way.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Somerset CCC on Twitter: "Still raining at Taunton #wet #PrayForSun"

Team news

The rain's stopped at Leicester and they're getting under way there just about now.

Leicestershire, who have won the toss and chosen to bowl first, hand recalls to Niall and Kevin O'Brien. Andrea Aganthangelou and Rob Taylor are the men to make way.

Northants are forced to make one change from the side that picked up their first T20 Blast win of the season on Thursday. Graeme White replaces all-rounder David Willey, who is back on international duty with England after smashing 60 from 27 balls for the Steelbacks against Derbyshire.

Leicestershire: Eckersley, Cosgrove (capt), Kevin O'Brien, Akmal, Niall O'Brien, Wells, Raine, McKay, Boyce, Naik, Sheikh.

Northants: Levi, Cobb, Wakely (capt), Afridi, Keogh, Duckett, Crook, Kleinveldt, White, Azharullah, Stone.

Good news! BBC Radio Wales have solved their issues at Bristol and you can listen to their commentary via the Live Coverage tab.

Meanwhile, Glamorgan have made a decent start - they're 25-0 after 2.2 overs in Bristol.

Anderson injury blow for Somerset

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Chris Gayle is on his way back to the Caribbean, and Somerset are on the lookout for another overseas player after it was confirmed Corey Anderson will return to New Zealand for treatment on a back injury.

All-rounder Anderson, 24, has not played since the Kiwis' Test defeat by England at Lord's last month.

"Obviously this is a blow for both Somerset and Corey but injuries happen in sport," said Somerset director of cricket Matt Maynard. "We wish Corey a speedy recovery and I can assure all members and supporters that we are actively seeking a suitable replacement."

Weather update

Nabil Hassan/BBC Sport

BBC Sport's Nabil Hassan at Taunton:

"Still no toss here at Taunton so a delayed start between Somerset and Surrey. It's not looking good to be honest, with the forecast pointing towards heavier rain."

Play is about to get under way in Bristol - there's a slight problem with the BBC Radio Wales commentary there, but BBC Radio Bristol are in position for ball-by-ball coverage.

Listen via the Live Coverage tab.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Birmingham Bears on Twitter: "Covers still on at Edgbaston, but looking good for 6.30pm start providing no further rain #YouBears."

Bears wait for McCullum

Sam Bagnall/Birmingham Bears

Birmingham Bears fans must wait a little while longer to see this chap in action. Brendon McCullum will link up with the defending T20 Blast champions later this month, with his debut pencilled in for 26 June away at Lancashire.

For now, McCullum is concentrating on the international game - he's leading New Zealand in the second one-day international against England.

The Kiwis made 398-5 from their 50 overs - can England chase that huge target down to go 2-0 up in the series?

Follow our live text commentary from The Oval here.

Team news

So, delayed starts at Taunton and Leicester, but one place we're expected to start on time is Bristol.

Gloucestershire, who have won the toss and will bowl, are unchanged from last night's defeat by Essex.

Glamorgan are also unchanged and will be looking to build on their last-ball win against Middlesex in Cardiff last week.

Gloucestershire: Dent, Klinger (capt), Cockbain, Handscomb, Jones, Noema-Barnett, Howell, Taylor, Fuller, Smith, Payne.

Glamorgan: Rudolph (capt), Meschede, Ingram, Cooke, Wright, Wagg, Parnell, Wallace, Cosker, Salter, Hogan.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

BBC Sport's Elizabeth Ammon at Grace Road: "Shahid Afridi waved at me. I think he thought I was someone else."

Like Taunton, there's rain falling in Leicester...

The wonderful world of the 'World Boss'

Chris Gayle has certainly enjoyed his time in England.

When he's not plonking sixes into rivers for Somerset in the T20 Blast, he's pulling pints at a local cricket club.

And when he's not pulling pints in his local cricket club, he's smashing golf balls absolutely miles.

And when he's not smashing golf balls absolutely miles, he's meeting world-famous sports stars on shopping trips...

ChrisGayle333 - Instagram

The West Indies opener visited London earlier this week and bumped into ex-England football captain David Beckham, posting this picture on Instagram.

Looking skywards

Nabil Hassan/BBC Sport

BBC Sport's Nabil Hassan at Taunton:

"All eyes should be on West Indies batsman Chris Gayle ahead of his final match for Somerset, but it's skywards that supporters are looking.

"Gayle has been a box office attraction in the three games he has played in this season's T20 Blast, and Surrey - minus Kevin Pietersen - will very much be looking to spoil his party here."

Looks like a delayed start at Taunton, where rain is steadily falling.

Gayle says goodbye

PA

Tonight, we say farewell to the "World Boss".

Chris Gayle will play his final game for Somerset before returning home to the Caribbean, having left indelible marks on a small part of the West Country and the T20 Blast in 2015.

The West Indies opener currently boasts an average of 328 in this season's competition - 328!

The neutrals among us are hopeful of more fireworks from Gayle against Surrey at Taunton, where there's a little bit of rain in the air...

How things stand

Durham lead the way in the North Group with eight points, but they have played at least two games more than every other county.

Defending champions Birmingham Bears are among those in the chasing pack, while Derbyshire and Northants are at the bottom with only one win apiece so far.

Kent are top of the South Group with eight points from six matches, closely followed by Gloucestershire, Hampshire and Essex.

Surrey are bottom with only one win from their opening four games, but there's still plenty of time for them to fight their way back up the table.

View the tables in full here.

Thursday's T20 action

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The rain didn't spoil last night's two games in the T20 Blast, with Northants and Essex emerging victorious from their matches against Derbyshire and Gloucestershire respectively.

David Willey (pictured), released from England's one-day squad earlier this week, made 60 from 27 balls to give Northants their first T20 win of the season.

But Michael Klinger's unbeaten century wasn't enough for Gloucestershire, as they lost to Essex by 18 runs.

Listen live on BBC local radio

Fancy listening to a bit of T20 action tonight? Well, you're in the right place.

Listen to BBC local radio commentaries of all eight matches on desktop, tablet and mobile devices via the Live Coverage tab.

All being well, we'll have the usual mix of world stars and England internationals on show - weather permitting, of course!

At the moment, the prospects for play at many of our venues look good.

The first three of tonight's games are due to start at 17:30 BST, although Leicestershire's game with Northants looks set to be delayed.

They've tweeted: "There's rain in the air again. Toss will be delayed."

Getty Images

Good evening and welcome to our live text commentary of the latest round of fixtures in the T20 Blast.

We've yet to have a washout in this season's competition - unfortunately the weather forecast suggests tonight could be the night.

But we're all optimistic souls here, so let's keep everything crossed and hope the rain holds off in some places, so that we'll be able to talk about some cricket!

Commentaries available on this page: (scroll through the live coverage tab to select your game)

Somerset v Surrey - BBC Radio Bristol, BBC Somerset and BBC London 94.9

Gloucestershire v Glamorgan - BBC Radio Bristol, BBC Radio Gloucestershire and BBC Radio Wales

Leicestershire v Northamptonshire - BBC Radio Leicester and BBC Radio Northampton

Lancashire v Derbyshire - BBC Radio Lancashire, BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Radio Derby

Birmingham v Nottinghamshire - BBC Coventry and Warwickshire, BBC WM 95.6 and BBC Radio Nottingham

Durham v Worcestershire - BBC Newcastle and BBC Hereford and Worcester

Kent v Hampshire - BBC Radio Kent and BBC Radio Solent

Sussex v Essex - BBC Sussex and BBC Essex