Run-blitz Riki goes six mad
RIKI WESSELS smashed nine sixes to dent Worcestershire’s hopes of sealing a home quarterfinal in the Vitality Blast.
The Nottinghamshire opener plundered 55 off just 18 balls to set the Outlaws on their way to a five-wicket win.
He hit three sixes off one Andy Carter over and cleared the ropes with the first three deliveries of Pat Brown’s opening over.
Brett D’oliveira scored 64 as the Rapids reached 191-6, but Notts passed that total with 11 balls to spare to strengthened their chances of a top-four spot.
Kent’s Alex Blake also went on a six-hitting spree, with five in his 57 to help the Spitfires beat Middlesex with three balls to spare.
Daniel Bell-drummond top-scored with 62 in the three-wicket win, Kent’s sixth in the South Group which keeps alive their bid for qualification while consigning Middlesex to the bottom berth.
Middlesex were 189-7 after their 20 overs, openers Dawid Malan scoring 36 and Paul Stirling 34.
Gloucestershire secured a place in the quarter-finals with a five-run win over Surrey at Bristol.
Kieran Noema-barnett was unbeaten on 57 – equalling his T20 career best – as the hosts posted 174-6.
When Ben Foakes hit 59 off 39 balls and added 66 for the fifth wicket with Rikki Clarke, it looked as though Surrey were on the way to victory.
But David Payne bowled Foakes in the penultimate over and Ryan Higgins held his nerve to concede just seven runs in the final over.