There is one spot at the NatWest T20 Blast finals day up for grabs and it will be taken by either Kent or Lancashire who meet in the last of the quarter finals in Canterbury on Saturday.
Kent secured their spot in this quarter final by virtue of winning the South Group whereas Lancashire finished fourth in the North Group so it is no surprise by that record that Kent are the favourites to make the final four for the first time since 2009.
Kent won nine of their 14 matches in the group phase and have had a full week to prepare for this match. They have announced a full strength squad with James Tredwell their star man but a series of excellent youngsters have the perfect stage to showcase their talents.
Lancashire could only win seven of their 14 matches in the group stage but they won when it mattered and that will give them confidence going into this game. Another thing to boost their confidence will be the fact they were at finals day last year and know how to get there. Like Kent, Lancashire have some excellent young players at their disposal but they also have Jos Buttler back in their ranks for this match.
This is a really intriguing match. Lancashire are the more established side of the two but Kent are at home and in good form and with plenty going for them. Jos Buttler is the danger man for Lancashire but if Kent can keep him quiet I think they have the tools to get this one done.
Lancashire have struggled for runs this season and they are going to need to score big to win this match on what is a high scoring ground. It is only the real strugglers in the North Group they have scored proper runs against this year. The rest of the sides they kept making mid-range scores and that batting doubt just gives me enough ammunition to side with Kent.
There is enough in the Jos Buttler price to take him to top score for Lancashire here. He has only played one match for them in the competition and he top scored in it with 71* and he is clearly the class act in their line up.
That 71* is the fourth highest score a Lancashire batsman has made all season which highlights the potential he has to top score and as a saver to the Kent bet Buttler is worth siding with to lead the Lancashire batting in this quarter final.
Back Kent to beat Lancashire for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with Coral
Back J.Buttler Top Lancashire Batsman for a 1/10 stake at 6.50 with Stan James
