The Cricketer previews the next batch of matches from around the country as the group stage reached its climax...
Where: The Rose Bowl, Southampton
When: Wednesday, September 8
Lowdown: While Hants' hopes of reaching the last eight are virtually over, Essex can't afford to put a foot wrong in the last three games if they're to keep hold of their title.
One to watch: Twenty-three-year old Dan Lawrence had been in fine form of late. He smashed 81 off 44 against Sussex last time out and claimed two wickets with the ball. The Eagles will be looking to him for inspiration.
Tickets: The match will be played behind closed doors.
Weather: Wednesday will look to be partly cloudy throughout the day, but temperatures could reach a maximum of 28 degrees.
Predictions: Essex.
Where: St. Lawrence Ground, Canterbury
When: Wednesday, September 8
Lowdown: Middlesex will likely need to win all three of their remaining matches to stand any chance of reaching the quarter-finals. Kent meanwhile are in a three-team shoot-out for a place in the top two - which assures a last-eight spot.
One to watch: Zak Crawley scored his second century since returning from England duty, both of which have come against Hampshire. He returned to the Ageas Bowl last time out to hammer an unbeaten 108.
Tickets: The match will be played behind closed doors.
Weather: Partly cloudy throughout the day with some sunshine.
Predictions: Kent
Zak Crawley has owned this summer for club and country
Where: Kennington Oval, London
When: Wednesday, September 8
Lowdown: Surrey and Sussex are on an equal number of wins from their seven matches, separated by just a point, and this is a key game in the race for the top two.
One to watch: Danny Briggs has shown impressive consistency throughout the competition. In T20 cricket he’s taken 186 victims in 154 innings making him dangerous at this level. Currently sitting with second-most wickets in the tournament at 12, he’s got an economy of just 6.04.
Tickets: The match will be played behind closed doors.
Weather: Mostly sunny with some clouds, temperatures are expected to reach 27 degrees.
Predictions: Surrey
Where: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
When: Wednesday, September 8
Lowdown: Glamorgan have not beaten Somerset in any of their last five encounters. Personal pride is all that is on offer in south wales, however, with both side struggling to reach the knock-out stage.
One to watch: In just five games, Timm van der Gugten has taken nine wickets for Glamorgan. With best figures of 3-17, the medium pace bowler has a strike rate of 10.6 making him dangerous especially in the middle overs.
Tickets: The match will be played behind closed doors.
Weather: Partly cloudy with some sun. Rain won’t be a factor in this game.
Predictions: Somerset
There will once again be plenty of onus on Alex Lees
Where: Headingley, Leeds
When: Wednesday, September, 8
Lowdown: Yorkshire have beaten Durham in four of their last five meetings. But this is another clash between two sides struggling to progress.
One to watch: Left-hander Alex Lees is already averaging over 51 in this year’s Blast, with a recent top score of 77 not out. He will look to lead Durham’s batting line-up again.
Tickets: The match will be played behind closed doors.
Weather: It will be cloudy for the majority of the day.
Predictions: Yorkshire
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