Notts Outlaws sealed their passage into the quarter-finals of the Friends Life t20 competition as group winners with a crushing 60-run victory over second-placed Lancashire Lightning. 

Director of Cricket Mick Newell, who eschewed his normal viewing spot in the pavilion for a dugout seat, was understandably happy with what he saw on the pitch.

“It was an excellent performance with both the bat and in the field,” he said.

“An excellent first innings set us up with a good platform to go out and win the game.”

After losing the toss and being made to bat first on a day that looked to be rain affected, Alex Hales and Michael Lumb stepped out onto the crease and the former turned in a man of the match performance, smashing his way to 82 off 52 deliveries.

“Alex Hales was terrific,” said Newell.

“He struck the ball very well and backed his ability to clear the ropes.”

“That’s one of the strengths in our batting line up, when we’re performing we do hit a lot of sixes.”

After Hales’ innings set up the Outlaws on their way to a total of 194 from their 20 overs, it was spin which accounted for the majority of Lancashire’s wickets, Graeme White’s 5-22 the best figures by a Notts bowler ever in this competition.

“Whitey was excellent too,” said Newell.

“He’s very confident in the twenty 20 format and for any player to take five wickets in this competition is impressive.”

With the victory, the Outlaws confirmed their place as group winners and now face a home quarter-final. With the two other groups with fixtures to fulfill, the draw will be made on Wednesday night, and Newell is confident in his side’s ability to overcome their next opponents.

“You have no say over the draw,” he said.

“All that we know is that we can face one of four teams, and we’ll be ready. As soon as the details are finalised, we’ll get together, assess our opponents and prepare.” 

Newell added: “From a cricketing perspective, a home quarter final here at Trent Bridge is really good”

“For group games we’ve had more than 8,000 fans supporting us and helping us through, and that’s only going to increase for the quarter-final.”

Friends Life t20 quarter-final ticketing information:

Tickets are already on sale to Nottinghamshire members with general sale beginning at 4.30pm on Thursday, initially from the Club's online box office.

Members can visit the Trent Bridge ticket office or call the ticket hotline from 9.30am on Thursday with ticket office and phone bookings accepted from all supporters from 9.30am on Friday.

Quarter-Final Draw
Tuesday 6 August
Surrey v Somerset, 4.15pm
Northants Steelbacks v Durham Dynamos, 7.10pm
Wednesday 7 August 
Hampshire Royals v Lancashire Lightning, 7.10pm
Thursday 8 August
Notts Outlaws v Essex Eagles, 7.10pm 

Ticket prices:
In advance: 
Members - Adults £15 / Under 16s £8 / Over 65s £8
Non-members - Adults £17 / Under 16s £9 / Over 65s £9 / families (2+2) £43
On the day:
Adults £20 / Over 65s £20 / Under 16s £10 / Families (2+2) £50

Steak, chips and ticket

Notts Outlaws supporters can secure early access to Friends Life t20 quarter-final tickets by taking advantage of a £25 deal that includes hospitality and a match ticket.

The Steak, Chips & Ticket package is now on general sale to all supporters.

This package can only be booked online by clicking here.

The pre-match meal comprises of:
Char-grilled Sirloin Steak
Homemade Chips
Tomato & Rocket Salad
Peppercorn Sauce

The dress code is casual and there is no limit on group sizes.