Surrey and Leics reach semis

Darren Maddy made a fine unbeaten half-century for Leicestershire © Getty Images

Former champions Surrey and Leicestershire booked their returns to Twenty20 Cup finals day with convincing victories.

Inaugural winners Surrey overpowered Gloucestershire by 80 runs at Bristol after a brilliant innings from Mark Ramprakash (85 from 64 balls) and Rikki Clarke (79 not out from 42).

The third-wicket pair put on 139 in 12 overs - Clarke hit five sixes - as the Brown Caps powered to a club record 224 for five which Gloucestershire never threatened.

The Gladiators slipped to 81 for five in reply and were finished off by Nayan Doshi, who took four wickets for the third time in the competition.

Leicestershire, the 2004 champions, had no problem overhauling Kent’s 153 for five as they eased home by nine wickets with two overs to spare.

Darren Maddy led the way with an unbeaten 79 while HD Ackerman, who hit a triple century in the Liverpool Victoria County Championship earlier this month, maintained his form with 50.

Kent were largely curtailed by a fine opening spell from England hopeful Stuart Broad, who took
3-14.

Nottinghamshire ensured they would also be present for the finals day at their own ground of Trent Bridge with a 63-run home win over Northamptonshire.

David Hussey cracked 71 from just 32 balls, including five sixes, and Samit Patel hit four maximums in a 62-ball 65 to help the Outlaws to 213 for six.

Lance Klusener smashed an unbeaten 72 from 47 balls for the Steelbacks but disciplined bowling, notably from Ryan Sidebottom (2-16), ensured they never got close.

Essex completed the semi-final line-up by beating Yorkshire by five wickets at Chelmsford.

Yorkshire’s 143 for seven, with 43 from Gerard Brophy and 40 not out from Darren Lehmann, proved inadequate.

Jamie Foster hit an unbeaten 47 to see the Eagles to victory with four balls to spare.

The draw for the semi-finals will be made during the interval in Tuesday’s floodlit NatWest Pro40 clash between Sussex and Warwickshire at Hove.