Super Worcestershire Rapids tonight created a slice of history as they secured their first ever home NatWest T20 Blast quarter-final.
The Rapids were guaranteed a last eight tie at New Road after local rivals Birmingham Bears defeated Northamptonshire Steelbacks by one run under floodlights at Edgbaston.
Skipper Daryl Mitchell's side will now finish in the top two irrespective of what happens in the final round of matches on Friday.
But the Rapids still have a chance of topping the North Group as they prepare for the home clash with Lancashire Lightning (5.30pm start).
If they win and the Bears slip up against Yorkshire Vikings, then it will come down to run rate – and at the moment the Rapids are superior in that department.
Tickets are selling fast for the Lightning match and the message from club officials is 'book your ticket now to avoid dissapointment.'
They are priced £17 for adults and £5 for juniors in advance and £22 and £5 on the day – IF there are any left and remember the last home game against the Bears was a sell-out.
Worcestershire have contested four previous quarter-finals – in 2004, 2007, 2012 and 2014 – but all have been played away from home and all ended in defeat.
Now they will play in front of what is certain to be a sell-out New Road crowd in the quarter-finals in their bid to reach finals day for the first time.
The Rapids have won nine of their 13 group matches – including the last six away games – to book their spot in the knockout stages.
It is a superb effort especially with five counties on Test playing grounds included in the North Group.
LATEST TABLE
Bham Played 13, Won 10, Lost 3, NR-Tie 0 Pts 20, Run Rate 0.24
RAPIDS 13, 9, 4, 0, 18, 0.68
Northants 13, 7, 5, 1, 15, 0.11
Lancs 13, 7, 6, 0, 14, 0.47
Notts 13, 7, 6, 0, 14, 0.02
Durham 13, 5, 8, 0, 10, -0.15
Leics 13, 4, 7, 2, 10 -0.30
Yorks 13, 4, 8, 1, 9, -0.38
Derbys 14, 4, 10, 0, 8, -0.66
