How the Blast QFs went down

Eighteen is now four. A thrilling week of Blast quarter-finals comes to an end in spectacular fashion at the Kia Oval. Take a look back at how it all unfolded as we build-up to Finals Day at Edgbaston next Saturday. 

Boom Boom indeed

The quarter-finals got off to a blistering start on Tuesday, and that’s mainly down to Shahid Afridi. The Pakistan all-rounder hit an astonishing 42-ball century - his first in T20 cricket - to lead Hampshire to a stunning 101-run victory against Derbyshire. Semi-finalists, be very Afridi if Shahid continues to strike the ball as cleanly as this at Edgbaston.

Welcome to Glamrock

Heading to their first Finals Day since 2004, Glamorgan sealed their spot in some style when they hosted Leicestershire on Wednesday. Craig Meschede was instrumental with the ball, taking 3/17, as the visitors were dismissed for just 123. Colin Ingram and Jacques Rudolph ensured the fantastic bowling wasn’t wasted, propelling the Welsh outfit to victory with 38 balls to spare.

Simply Samit

After losing talisman Alex Hales early on, it was never going to be easy for the Outlaws when Somerset were in town, but the hosts’ middle-order ensured the Trent Bridge side will be heading to Finals Day. Samit Patel lead the charge with a fine 45 off 28 deliveries before being run out, only for Steven Mullaney to come in and finish the job with an over and a half left.

Access Granted

What a thrilling end to the quarter-finals. Surrey welcomed Birmingham Bears to the Kia Oval on a fine summer’s evening in the capital. The hosts set the Bears a target of 205 with Jason Roy adding 74 of those from just 38 balls. Bears’ skipper Grant Elliot was key to the away side's victory, hitting an unbeaten 59 as the visitors claimed the last Finals Day spot with just four deliveries left.