Lancashire Qualify for Blast Quarter-Finals with Eight-Wicket Win over Nottinghamshire

Lancashire's dominance in the Vitality Blast continued as they secured their place in the quarter-finals with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Nottinghamshire at Emirates Old Trafford. The win marked Lancashire's 150th in Blast history, making them the first county to reach this milestone.

England duo Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone played starring roles for Lancashire, returning from T20 World Cup duty to guide their team to victory. Salt smashed a destructive 70 off 42 balls, including five sixes, while Livingstone contributed an unbeaten 54 off 37 with three sixes.

Nottinghamshire's struggles continued as they slipped to their eighth defeat in 13 games. All-rounder Lyndon James top-scored with a career-best 51 off 38 balls, but it proved insufficient against Lancashire's polished bowling display.

Left-arm quick Luke Wood led the Lancashire attack with a season's best three for 23, limiting Nottinghamshire to 131 for seven. Spinners Chris Green and Tom Hartley also played their part, claiming two wickets each.

Lancashire's chase got off to a shaky start when Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed Luke Wells in the second over. However, Salt and Livingstone steadied the ship with a 112-run partnership for the second wicket. Salt reached his fifty off 31 balls, while Livingstone achieved the milestone with the winning hit, a pulled six off Farooqi.

Lancashire's victory sets up a potential home tie in the quarter-finals, while Nottinghamshire's disappointing campaign continues. The Outlaws, who have won the Blast twice in the past, will be eager to put this season behind them and focus on rebuilding for the future.

Tags: #VitalityBlast, #Lancashire, #Nottinghamshire, #PhilSalt, #LiamLivingstone