Friday's T20 Blast as it happened

1. Leicestershire win for first time this summer
2. Ravi Bopara hits 81 not out as Essex beat Glamorgan
3. Game in Cardiff had been held up by floodlight failure
4. Birmingham Bears beat Worcestershire by 19 runs
5. Wins for Yorkshire, Durham, Kent and Sussex

Well, that's just about that for this evening. Thanks for joining us.

We'll be back with more T20 Blast action for you next Friday. Until then, have a very good evening.

KENT BEAT HAMPSHIRE BY FIVE WICKETS

Alex Blake's magnificent 71 not out off 30 balls guided Kent to a dramatic five-wicket victory over Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl.

Blake, who came in with his side struggling at 70-5, smashed six maximums in his knock as he shared an unbroken stand of 108 with Spitfires captain Sam Northeast (60 not out) in just 9.2 overs.

Hampshire made 172-6 thanks largely to skipper James Vince's 66 and Adam Wheater's 36 off 18 balls at the end of the innings.

However, Blake's heroics saw his side home with four balls to spare.

ESSEX BEAT GLAMORGAN BY FIVE WICKETS

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Ravi Bopara shone with bat and ball as Essex won their first T20 Blast game of the season.

The all-rounder took 2-25 and overseas bowler Shaun Tait 3-28 as Glamorgan managed only 144-8 from their allotted overs, as Chris Cooke top scored with 31.

Michael Hogan (2-19) impressed for the Welsh county, bowling Mark Pettini in the first over, but Bopara never looked in trouble of losing his wicket as he dictated his side's innings.

Even a floodlight failure couldn't prevent the England player from reaching his half-century and he finished the match off in style launching Ruaidhri Smith for two big sixes, albeit one of them coming of the top-edge of his bat, in the 18th over to take Essex to 145-5 - claiming victory with 14 balls to spare.

Glamorgan will hope the loss was simply a blip, following their sublime victory over Surrey last week, while Essex will look to kick-on and climb up the table in the South Group.

BIRMINGHAM BEAT WORCESTERSHIRE BY 18 RUNS

Recordo Gordon took three wickets to help holders Birmingham Bears defend 144-5 to beat Worcestershire in the Midlands derby.

Worcestershire's reply began badly when Richard Oliver was bowled for a duck and only Daryl Mitchell and Ross Whiteley made significant contributions.

Gordon and Rikki Clarke dismissed Worcestershire's lower-order to leave the Pears all out for 126.

YORKSHIRE BEAT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE BY SIX WICKETS

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Captain Andrew Gale led from the front as Yorkshire chased down Nottinghamshire's 143-7 with seven balls remaining.

Samit Patel top-scored for Notts with 41 but the rest struggled to get Yorkshire's bowlers away.

Gale's unbeaten 68 was well supported by Glenn Maxwell and Andrew Hodd as Yorkshire won their first T20 game at Trent Bridge in three years.

DURHAM BEAT LANCASHIRE BY 16 RUNS

Lancashire lost five wickets in eight balls to hand Durham a surprise victory at Old Trafford.

Chasing Durham's 155, Ashwell Prince was the only player to find any fluency and once he fell for 78, Lancashire looked lost.

Two wickets in two balls from John Hastings, as well as some desperate shots from the Red Rose batsmen, helped Durham make it two wins from two as Lancashire fell short on 139-9.

SUSSEX BEAT SOMERSET BY FIVE RUNS

Somerset suffered a dramatic batting collapse as they fell five runs short of victory against Sussex at Taunton.

After the Sharks made 175-6 thanks to Luke Wright's 49 and a quickfire 37 from the returning England paceman Chris Jordan, Somerset seemed well placed at 78-1.

However, the hosts then lost five wickets for 18 runs in less than five overs, with Will Beer picking up three of them as they slumped to 98-6.

Jim Allenby took the game to the final over needing 24 to win, but he was run out for 79 with three balls to go and Sussex saw out the game.

LEICESTERSHIRE BEAT DERBYSHIRE BY SEVEN WICKETS

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Leicestershire wicket-keeper Niall O'Brien smashed an unbeaten 47 off 27 balls as the Foxes cruised to a seven-wicket win over Derbyshire at Grace Road - their first victory of the summer.

Chasing a target of 164, the hosts lost captain Mark Cosgrove early on, but scores of 30 plus from Ned Eckersley and Kevin O'Brien, and Niall O'Brien's big hitting at the end of the innings saw them to victory.

Earlier, Derbyshire had stumbled to 78-5 and had Chesney Hughes (59) and Billy Godleman (38) to thank for helping them up to a competitive 163-6.

Foxes spinner Jigar Naik starred with the ball claiming 3-23.

Before we leave you this evening, let's just take a look back at our seven matches in tonight's T20 Blast programme.

Match reaction

Somerset all-rounder Jim Allenby:

"It was actually a heavier defeat than the score suggested as we lost too many wickets in the middle of our innings and Sussex jumped all over us.

"I really enjoy T20 cricket and it was nice to get off to a good start in it for my new team.

"Our net run-rate won't have suffered too much and, despite this defeat, we really fancy our chances of doing well in the competition."

Match reaction

Leicestershire captain Mark Cosgrove:

"It's always good to celebrate a win, and yes, hopefully it will lift everybody connected with the club.

"Jigar Naik changed the game with his spell in their innings, we took our catches - which we haven't always been doing this season - and then the batsmen did their job.

"The aim now is to take the lift and momentum into next week's T20s and then the Championship."

Match reaction

Durham seamer John Hastings:

"That was a really good win, an important one as well. We probably left a few (runs) out there batting first, 15 or 20 runs maybe. But the way the boys bowled was fantastic.

"We stuck to our plans and used the wicket, which was tiring a bit in the last few overs. We used our slower balls and did a really good job.

"I think it was a really hard wicket to hit boundaries on. Ashwell's and Mark's innings, for us, were pure cricket shots. As soon as you tried to hit sixes and fours, you'd get out. The run out of Ashwell was crucial in the end."

Match reaction

Lancashire cricket director and head coach Ashley Giles:

"There were areas throughout the game we could have improved on.

"We went for too many in the power play. Durham played well up front. Then we got the rate down to nines, which was manageable, but we lost our way a little bit through the middle of our innings.

"Ashwell Prince played magnificently, and it was a shame we couldn't get over the line for him."

Match reaction

Sussex manager Mark Robinson told BBC Sussex's Adrian Harms:

"It was a great win, it is not an easy place to come - it was their first game so there was a lot of excitement- but we kept our heads and came out on top.

"Chris Jordan was a big boost for us, we found out he was available for us on Thursday but it was whether he was ready mentally to play.

"He is obviously bitterly disappointed and being dropped was a bit of hit for me so he had to get his head around it but he played very well today.

"(Michael) Yardy popped his calf during the game and had to come off but we do not know what his situation is yet."

Match reaction

Birmingham Bears bowler Recardo Gordon:

"We just showed why you can never under-estimate us a team.

"At the halfway point I think everyone thought we were behind the eight-ball but we always believe in ourselves as a team and we are always wanting to take wickets and we did that well today.

"It was great for me to take two wickets in my first over. In Twenty20 cricket taking wickets is the way forward because it stems the flow of runs and it was good to get a couple, bang, bang, to put us in the driving seat."

Match reaction

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes:

"It was not the result we wanted but there is no need to panic. We lost a couple of games early in the competition last year but then won six games on the trot and qualified.

"We bowled well and fielded very well but our batting did not quite match up to it. There were a couple of run outs but that sort of thing can happen in these situations."

BBC Sport's Nabil Hassan at the Ageas Bowl: "Hampshire appeared to be cruising at the midway stage, but a remarkable partnership from Northeast and Blake saw Kent home with balls to spare."

Match reaction

Kent Cricket

Kent captain Sam Northeast told Sky Sports: "It was going to require a special innings at 70-5 and I think we saw one tonight with Alex Blake. It was a special knock.

"I don't even think we out there thought it was going to happen until that one big over [18 runs off the 15th] and then we were right back in the game.

"At the half time break I thought we were in the game but then we lost five wickets early and all the pressure was right back on us.

"That's why it was even more of a special knock because of the circumstances."

Match reaction

Hampshire captain James Vince told Sky Sports: "I think 170 was a decent score, we'd have liked five or 10 more.

"After the start we got off to with the ball having them 70-5 we'd have expected to defend that.

"I think we let ourselves down in the field, we're normally a good side in the field and leaked a few too many runs and missed a couple of half chances."

KENT BEAT HAMPSHIRE BY FIVE WICKETS

Kent Cricket

Well, I don't think anyone was expecting that at the Ageas Bowl.

Kent looked down and out when Darren Stevens and Fabian Cowdrey were both dismissed by Will Smith in the same over to leave the visitors 70-5 at the halfway point.

But Alex Blake simply went on the rampage with some incredible striking over point and extra cover.

Michael Carberry will rue dropping him in the 18th over, but take nothing away from Blake's innings, it was hitting of the highest order.

Sam Northeast also made a less brutal but crucial 60 not out.

KENT BEAT HAMPSHIRE BY FIVE WICKETS

That is absolutely sensational striking from Alex Blake.

After slicing the first ball of Yasir Arafat's final over to the third man boundary, he finishes the game with a pull for six over mid-wicket - his sixth maximum.

Blake finishes 71 not out off 30 balls, and Kent skipper Sam Northeast is 60 not out at the other end.

These two have put on 108 in just 9.2 overs to see their side to a dramatic victory.

Alex Blake has turned this game around for Kent with a sublime half-century.

The 26-year-old brings up his fifty with a quickly scampered two before smashing Chris Wood over cover for his fifth maximum.

The 19th over goes for 14 and Kent now need just five from the final over.

Blake has 61 off 28 balls. Incredible.

ESSEX BEAT GLAMORGAN BY FIVE WICKETS

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Ravi Bopara finishes off the match with a bit of luck as he top-edges Ruaidhri Smith all the way over the hoardings to end unbeaten on 81 off just 53 balls

It was an impressive, controlled innings by the all-rounder who only returned from IPL duty with Sunrisers Hyderabad this week, having also taken 2-25 to restrict Glamorgan to 144-8 in their innings.

Dropped catch

Oh dear, Michael Carberry has just dropped Alex Blake.

Blake slashes Yasir Arafat towards the point boundary, Carberry races round and has the ball in his hands but it pops out.

To make things worse it rolls to the boundary and goes for four.

Blake rubs salt into the wound with another six in the same area.

You'd have to say Kent are now favourites with 19 needed off 12 balls.

With his first county half-century of the season under his belt, Ravi Bopara comes down the wicket and launches Michael Hogan into the stands.

The right-arm seamer bowled impressively and finished with figures of 4-0-19-2 - as his final two balls cost him seven runs.

Even with the break, this is a canter for the Eagles against Glamorgan in Wales.

Alex Blake is playing a great knock at the back end of this Kent innings.

The left-hander has struck three huge sixes in consecutive overs and has raced to 37 not out off 19 balls.

The equation for the visitors is still tricky though.

32 needed off the final three overs.

Northeast (41 balls, 7 fours)

Kent captain Sam Northeast is continuing to fight for his side as he reaches his sixth T20 half-century.

However the run rate is still hovering around 12 and they will need plenty more boundaries from the 25-year-old if they are to see this home.

Alex Blake is unbeaten on 19 at the other end.

Bopara (38 balls, 4 fours)

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Ravi Bopara returns from the unexpected half-hour break and sends Craig Meschede to the boundary rope. It was his fourth four of the innings, alongside a couple of maximums.

It has been a very controlled innings from the England man, who has shown that the wicket is one where runs can be easily scored.

He's leading Essex towards their first victory in the T20 Blast this season.

DURHAM BEAT LANCASHIRE BY SIXTEEN RUNS

It all ends in disaster for Lancashire as the last two batsmen are unable to get the ball away.

George Edwards and Stephen Parry manage to eek out just three runs from the last four balls as Durham claim an unlikely victory.

LIGHTS BACK ON IN CARDIFF

Glamorgan Cricket

Ah, someone's put another pound in the electricity meter in Cardiff and the floodlights have returned to full working order. We are back under way.

It's going down to the wire at Old Trafford. Alex Davies is run out for just 15 and then two balls later Ashwell Prince, the backbone of Lancashire's innings, falls for 78.

And now it's two in two for Durham. Jordan Clark pulls John Hastings to backward square leg and then Arron Lilley falls the next ball. To add yet insult to more injury, Tom Bailey is dismissed by Usman Arshad, caught in the deep by Ryan Pringle. That's one heck of a collapse!

This game is quickly slipping away from Kent who need 81 off 42 balls.

The loss of three wickets in seven balls has seen the run rate climb to just under 12.

Sam Northeast remains unbeaten on 41, but the visitors will need plenty more from him if they are to even get close.

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The news from Cardiff is that 10 minutes remain to get the three floodlights that are not working back on.

If they can't fix the problem in that time then Essex will win the game under the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Meanwhile, Glamorgan are filling the lull in proceedings with a Tom Jones karaoke.

BIRMINGHAM BEARS BEAT WORCESTERSHIRE BY 19 RUNS

Recordo Gordon picks up his third wicket of the evening to win the game for Birmingham Bears as he bowls Jack Shantry for one, with Worcestershire falling 19 runs short of their target.

In a low scoring match, Daryl Mitchell's top-score of the evening of 34 wasn't enough to lead his side to victory, as two run-outs cost the Pears dearly.

YORKSHIRE BEAT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE BY SIX WICKETS

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Two victories in two for the Yorkshire Vikings as Andrew Gale punches Sam Wood for six to finish the match in style.

Gale finishes 68 not out from 55 balls and Jack Leaning is unbeaten on nine as Yorkshire win with seven balls remaining.

Nottinghamshire will be left to rue their performance with the bat as Yorkshire celebrate their seventh T20 win over Notts in 12 years.

Lancashire are making hard work of what initially seemed like a simple run chase. Although Alviro Petersen and Ashwell Prince enjoyed a 50-run partnership, the run rate is just starting to creep up on the home side.

Petersen has fallen, clean bowled by Ryan Pringle, and Prince has been joined by wicket-keeper Alex Davies. It could be a tight finish at Old Trafford...

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Just before the money in the meter ran out at the energy sponsored ground in the Welsh capital, Michael Hogan picked up the vital wicket of Ryan ten Doeschate as he was caught behind for nine.

Will this delay cause Ravi Bopara (45 not out off 36 balls) to lose concentration? Plenty of wickets are lost after drinks breaks...

WICKET (Billings run out 15)

Well no sooner had I said that Kent need a Darren Stevens special he is at the crease.

Sam Billings goes for a quick single but is well short of his ground despite a dive.

Actually scrap that, Stevens has just been stumped off Will Smith.

Kent are 70-4 and in deep trouble. Make that 70-5 - Fabian Cowdrey is trapped lbw by Smith two balls later.

WICKET Maxwell (c Mullaney b Wood 20)

PA

Glenn Maxwell has belted the ball down the ground and Steven Mullaney has taken an excellent running catch to dismiss the Australian. Mullaney's hands will be stinging - Maxwell hit that hard and it looked to be sailing over the boundary. Nottinghamshire are delighted to get rid of him but Yorkshire look to have this under control.

The hundred comes up for Worcestershire but they are deep in trouble at Edgbaston after Brett D'Oliveira top-edged Rikki Clarke to Laurie Evans.

And, the Pear's last realistic hope of victory Ross Whiteley become Ateeq Javid's first scalp of the night, caught by Jeetan Patel for 33.

Two more wickets will give the Bears their 11th victory in 14 T20 matches against their Midlands rivals.

Kent need someone to have a go here as the run-rate is rising rapidly.

Sam Northeast and Sam Billings are both settling in at the crease but only scoring at a run a ball.

The run-rate is going to creep over 10 very shortly you feel.

Is it time for a Darren Stevens special?

LIGHTS OUT AT GLAMORGAN

The floodlights have gone off in Cardiff, just as Ravi Bopara is closing in on his half-century.

The players remain in the middle, but with the time approaching 21:00 BST, we need the lights on!

50 Gale (43 balls, five fours)

As well as making his 16th T20 half-century, Andrew Gale has become the first Yorkshire player to reach 2,000 T20 runs. It's been a measured innings from the captain but he's starting to go on the attack.

Glenn Maxwell is loving Trent Bridge. His second delivery from Steven Mullaney was whipped through the leg side for six and another huge six has gone sailing into the stands.

Prince (36 balls, five fours)

Ashwell Prince has been the mainstay of Lancashire's innings and he's registered his 11th T20 half-century. Lancashire are cruising rather than racing towards their target, but Prince is keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

The cheers from the home supporters are growing as Worcestershire captain Daryl Mitchell gifts his wicket to Jeetan Patel.

Mitchell is caught by Laurie Evans for 34 before Ben Cox becomes the second run-out in the innings after a mix-up with Ross Whiteley.

With Worcestershire needing 55 off 36 balls and the run-rate up over nine, the Bears are closing in on victory.

WICKET Bairstow (c b Taylor b Mullaney 10)

Shortly after hitting a giant six into the top tier of the Radcliffe Road stand, Jonny Bairstow is out. He tries to pull Steven Mullaney and can only top-edge the ball high into the air. There's a momentary worry for Nottinghamshire as Luke Fletcher and Brendan Taylor both come charging in to take the catch, but Taylor dives to get there first. Enter Glenn Maxwell...

Kent have recovered well since losing Daniel Bell-Drummond in the first over.

Joe Denly has raced to 26 off just 16 balls and captain Sam Northeast is unbeaten on 10.

However, just as I write that, Denly chips Danny Briggs to Jimmy Adams at cover and is out.

Kent are 39-2.

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The run-rate is starting to climb at Trent Bridge, and Yorkshire's cause hasn't been helped by Alex Lees' dismissal. The left-hander lobbed Steven Mullaney into the air and James Taylor took another catch to put some pressure back on the visitors.

Andrew Gale has been joined at the crease by Jonny Bairstow - a tad surprising, considering that Glenn Maxwell batted at four during the IPL. Bairstow, however, is in fine touch at the moment and his aggressive batting could help swing the momentum back in Yorkshire's direction.

A case of commentator's curse for 20-year-old Kishen Velani as he's stumped off Dean Cosker for 29 just when he looked set.

Essex hold a slight edge at half-way after the hosts were 73-3 at the same point in their innings in Cardiff.

Worcestershire captain Daryl Mitchell continues to tick along but he is going to need to start finding the boundary more regularly if he doesn't want the run rate to get away from his side. If Mitchell is still there at the close, he will certainly have taken the Pears close to victory.

Ross Whiteley picks up his second four of his innings as he sends Jeetan Patel to the cover boundary.

Ashwell Prince is still going well for Lancashire - it's finding someone to stay with him that's becoming an issue.

Steven Croft lazily pulls Scott Borthwhick to Chris Rushworth at cover to leave Lancashire three down. They've lost two wickets for 16 runs and Durham are putting them under pressure with some attacking field placings.

PA

Yorkshire have lost their first wicket. Andrew Hodd flashed Samit Patel to extra cover where James Taylor took a very good catch. The ball travelled hard and fast towards him and his quick reflexes allowed him to hold on.

Andrew Gale has been joined by Alex Lees, who gets off the mark with a scampered single from his second ball.

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Young Kishen Velani has made the decision to go on the attack as he races to 27 off 17 balls having caressed the ball to the boundary ropes four time.

Not wanting to be out-scored Ravi Bopara sends Dean Cosker for a huge six as the spinner's second over is sent for 14.

WICKET Bell-Drummond (c & b Smith 1)

Not the start Kent were looking for. Will Smith opens up for Hampshire with his off-spin, and from his fourth ball takes a smart return catch at the second attempt as Daniel Bell-Drummond comes down the pitch to straight drive.

BBC Radio Solent's Andrew Moon at the Ageas Bowl: "Decent but unspectacular innings from Hampshire. James Vince impressed with the bat, but good bowling prevented Hampshire scoring a massive target."

Momentum has swung back towards the Bears as the Pears lose two wickets in Recordo Gordon's first over as first Tom Kohler-Cadmore is caught by Rikki Clarke for a 13-ball 21 before Alex Gidman is caught behind for a golden duck.

Ed Barnard then has a horrible rush of blood as he hits the ball straight to the fielder at cover and sets off for a run that is not there, and, with Daryl Mitchell not moving an inch, the 19-year-old is run out for five.

Mitchell, meanwhile, is ticking along nicely and is now the top-scorer in both innings having moved on to 29 off 22 balls as the dark clouds gather around Edgbaston.

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The scoreboard is moving rather quickly at Trent Bridge. Andrew Gale is targeting Luke Fletcher, Nottinghamshire's fine yorker bowler. His first ball is swatted for four by the Yorkshire captain.

Gale and Andrew Hodd are also running well together. Samit Patel's first over is milked for seven runs as Yorkshire cruise towards their target.

Hampshire will fancy their chances on home turf after posting 172-6 from their 20 overs against Kent, James Vince top scoring with 66.

There were two wickets apiece for David Griffiths, on his return to the Ageas Bowl, and off-spinner Adam Riley.

Karl Brown has been dismissed at Old Trafford in truly horrible fashion. Usman Arshad bowled a slower ball. Brown completely misread it, swung across the line and was clean bowled for 8. Never a pretty way to go.

Ashwell Prince is still at the crease, having raced to 25 from 15 balls, and has been dismissive of anything short and wide.

SUSSEX BEAT SOMERSET BY FIVE RUNS

Somerset gave it a good go in their pursuit of 24 in the final over, but came up short by five runs.

Jim Allenby got himself back on strike with 14 needed off three balls, but was then run out coming back for a second run.

The Australian made 79 off 56 balls.

LEICESTERSHIRE BEAT DERBYSHIRE BY SEVEN WICKETS

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Niall O'Brien has seen his side over the line with three successive fours off Ben Cotton in the 19th over.

O'Brien finishes 47 not out off 27 balls and New Zealander Grant Elliot made a calm unbeaten 21.

Leicestershire supporters haven't tasted many wins in the last couple of seasons. They haven't won in the County Championship since 2012, but maybe this will give them some momentum?

WICKET Ryder (c Slater b Meschede 20)

Big wicket in Cardiff as Jesse Ryder, who hit four fours, is caught by Andrew Slater in the deep off Craig Meschede as Glamorgan pick up their second scalp.

This could be a night for the bowlers or perhaps a night of Bopara sixes - the Englishman is current two not out off seven balls.

Somerset are going to need something special in the final over from Jim Allenby as they need 24 to win.

The hosts have only managed to hit two boundaries in overs 18 and 19 and also lost Abdur Rehman for 24.

The good news is that Allenby will be on strike.

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Harry Gurney kept Yorkshire in check for the first over, a maiden, but the two Andrews have had enough of playing cautiously.

Andrew Hodd drives Jake Ball through the covers for his first boundary, while Andrew Gale pulls and cuts the two pace bowlers to get Yorkshire off to a positive start. Gale's attacking innings has thrown Ball off his line. Consecutive wides keeps the score ticking in Yorkshire's favour.

Liam Livingstone has fallen early at Old Trafford. A mix-up between Livingstone and Ashwell Prince - Livingstone thought there was a run, Prince didn't - has resulted in the batsman being dismissed for just two runs.

Prince, meanwhile, has decided that a quick game is a good game. Ryan Pringle is pulled to the off-side boundary, while Chris Rushworth's second ball is swatted to the square leg boundary.

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Glamorgan have come out and grabbed an early and vital wicket in the first over of Essex's innings as Mark Pettini is bowled by Michael Hogan for one.

The explosive Jesse Ryder is joined at the crease by Ravi Bopara. This partnership could shape the way the match goes as the latter sends the last two balls of Graham Wagg's over for boundaries.

Hampshire look set to post a defendable total at the Ageas Bowl. But they could have done without losing Adam Wheater, bowled by Mitch Claydon for a busy 36 off 21 balls, in the penultimate over.

Jim Allenby is continuing to smash the ball around Taunton, but the game is quickly slipping away from Somerset.

Abdur Rehman and Allenby both hit Chris Jordan for six in his third over, but the hosts still need 40 off the final three overs.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Daryl Mitchell seem to be seeing the ball far better then most this evening under the 'E' shaped Edgbaston floodlights as the pair take Chris Wright's first over for 17.

Kohler-Cadmore first hits the bowler for a maximum then makes the most of a full ball to send it the boundary ropes, before Mitchell sends his first ball for four.

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Leicestershire are cruising towards victory here.

Grant Elliot and Niall O'Brien are knocking the ball around nicely and the target is now down to 33 off 24 balls.

Another wicket could change things.

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Chris Cooke sends Reece Topley for a massive six off the first ball of the final over but the bowler has the last laugh as the right-handed batsman attempts to replicate the shot and is caught by Ryan ten Doeschate.

Although 144-8 is almost 100 runs shy of Glamorgan's score last week, they will be happy with the comeback they staged having been 83-6, with Ravi Bopara (2-25) and Shaun Tait (3-28) the pick of the Essex bowlers.

The Eagles could be on for their first victory of the T20 Blast season, could it all come down to a Bopara special?

WICKET Oliver (c Evans b Clarke 0)

Awful start for Worcestershire as Richard Oliver is caught at cover point by Laurie Evans off Rikki Clarke for a four-ball duck.

In contrast it will be just the start Birmingham were after, having suffered an eight-wicket loss to Nottinghamshire last week.

We could be set for a low-scoring thriller at Edgbaston this evening.

Allenby (39 balls, 6 fours, 1 six)

Somerset are now six down but Jim Allenby is keeping his side in with a shout as he brings up his half-century.

The Australian all-rounder taps Ollie Robinson for a single to get to his fifty before launching him for six.

If he stays there, Somerset have a chance.

Durham end their innings with a whimper rather than a bang as two late wickets leaves them 155 all out with two balls remaining.

Their last four wickets fell in 13 balls, with George Edwards picking up two well-deserved wickets.

Chris Rushworth will be vital for the visitors - he'll face a tough test with Ashwell Prince and Liam Livingstone looking to make it two wins in two for the Red Rose.

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Things are nicely balanced at Grace Road despite the loss of two quick wickets for the hosts.

First Ned Eckersley is caught and bowled by David Wainwright for 39 before Kevin O'Brien goes in the next over.

Leicestershire need 69 runs from the last eight overs.

Essex continue to be in control against Glamorgan but Greg Smith has had to leave the field with the physio, with Nick Browne replacing him on the field.

Shaun Tait has had a good day with the ball as he finishes with 3-28 from his four overs and alongside 2-25 from Ravi Bopara, Glamorgan are floundering slightly on 130-7.

However, Ruaidhri Smith has taken a liking to Reece Topley, sending the left-arm seamer for back-to-back fours. That was just what the hosts needed.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Worcestershire CCC: Nile comes 7th in mascot race. Looks to have difficulty in seeing. Club promise major inquest. Heads could roll.

But who won? Can anyone tell us?

It's all going wrong for Somerset in front of an expectant Taunton crowd as they lose another two wickets in the space of five balls.

First Tom Cooper is trapped lbw by Will Beer and then Sohail Tanvir launches one high into the air and is caught by Steffan Piolet.

Somerset need 88 from 48 balls. Jim Allenby is still there and approaching his half-century.

PA

A slightly disappointing score for Nottinghamshire, albeit in the face of some good bowling and some excellent fielding from Yorkshire.

Steven Mullaney, who along with Samit Patel was the only batsman to show some fluency, was run out off the final ball of the innings for 38.

A tight last over from Tim Bresnan means Yorkshire need 144 to register their first T20 victory at Trent Bridge since July 2012.

A somewhat below-par score from Birmingham at Edgbaston against Midlands rivals Worcestershire as they finish on 144-5 after a late flurry from Jeetan Patel, who hit 23 off 10 balls.

However, with no batsman making over 27 and the regular loss of wickets, the visitors were able to contain the hosts.

There was a decent debut for 19-year-old Ed Barnard as he finished with figures of 4-0-29-0, while Brett D'Oliveira took two wickets

PA

Tim Bresnan is not impressed. He's seen Steven Mullaney dropped off his bowling by Andrew Hodd in the deep, before a Jack Leaning mis-field allows Notts to scamper for two.

Sam Wood has fallen, well run-out by Jonny Bairstow, but Mullaney is taking the attack to Yorkshire. He strikes Glenn Maxwell for another huge, high six as he attempts to push Notts towards the 150 mark.

Vince (39 balls, 9 fours)

A welcome return to form for Hampshire's James Vince who has his first half-century in any form of cricket this summer.

The opener smashes Adam Riley for four to reach his fifty and then adds a couple of sixes and another four.

However, he tries one shot too many and skies the ball to Joe Denly who takes a fine catch on the boundary and Vince is dismissed for 66.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Worcestershire CCC

Worcestershire CCC: Nile on his way to the mascot race. @CricketingBears #GoNile!

Good to see Wolfie making an appearance too.

WICKET Borthwick (st Davies b Croft 5)

Another stumping for Alex Davies at Old Trafford, this time off the bowling of Steven Croft. Scott Borthwick temporarily leaves his crease and Davies is quick enough to whip the bails off.

Gordon Muchall is going well for Durham, however, as he crashes the returning George Edwards for a boundary.

WICKET Trego (c Jordan b Yardy 26)

Peter Trego goes after picking out Chris Jordan on the mid-wicket boundary off the bowling of Michael Yardy.

Just three balls later and Somerset find themselves 80-3 when James Hildreth nicks Yardy behind.

Jim Allenby is still going strong on 35 not out, but this game is now in the balance.

WICKET Patel (st Bairstow b Rashid 41)

Disaster for Nottinghamshire as Samit Patel is dismissed just as he looked set to unleash on the bowlers. Patel dances down the pitch to Adil Rashidbut misses the ball completely. Jonny Bairstow doesn't - he collects it neatly to whip off the bails and leave Patel stranded in no-man's land.

That also marks the end of Rashid's spell. A very good return of 1-22.

PA

Liam Plunkett has bowled his allotted overs, finishing with figures of 2-18, including 13 dot balls. He's done an excellent job of keeping Nottinghamshire under pressure.

Glenn Maxwell returns to the Yorkshire attack, and Samit Patel greets him with a huge six straight over the bowler's head.

Not long after bringing up 100 for Notts, Steven Mullaney scoops Matthew Fisher for a boundary and captain Andrew Gale is unable to cling on to a difficult chance at cover.

Fisher keeps his head, however, and mixes up his pace to keep Notts at bay.

Another one down in Wales and Australian bowler Shaun Tait gets in on the wicket-taking fun as he bowls Andrew Slater for one.

Ravi Bopara's last ball of his third over is sent to the ropes by Graham Wagg who will need to hit plenty more if Glamorgan are going to post a challenging total for Essex.

WICKET Stoneman (st Davies b Lilley 57)

Arron Lilley is swinging the game Lancashire's way. Mark Stoneman departs for his career best score as he dances down the pitch to the spinner. Wicket-keeper Alex Davies fumbles but manages to whip off the bails.

And just five balls later, Durham lose their fifth wicket. Ryan Pringle moves back into his crease and is pinned lbw by Stephen Parry.

A good evening's work for Worcestershire's Brett D'Oliveira sees him finish with figures of 4-0-21-2, as he bowls dangerous batsman Rikki Clarke for just three.

The regular loss of wickets have stunted Birmingham's progress but the 100 comes up off the fifth ball of the 16th over as Laurie Evans sends Joe Leach 10 rows back.

Nabil Hassan/BBC Sport

BBC Sport's Nabil Hassan at the Ageas Bowl: Floodlights on, game underway and Hampshire already in the groove.

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Leicestershire have made a steady start in their pursuit of 164.

Captain Mark Cosgrove fell early after he was caught at mid-off off the bowling of Ben Cotton, but Ned Eckersley is batting calmly at the other end.

It won't be long before the big-hitting Kevin O'Brien goes for his shots though you would have thought.

Jim Allenby has raced to 29 off 15 balls for Somerset, but the hosts have already lost captain Marcus Trescothick for 17.

The dangerous Peter Trego is in at number 3.

WICKET Collingwood (c Davies b Lilley 30)

Four balls after crashing Steven Parry for six, Paul Collingwood is back in the pavilion. He attempted to reverse sweep off-break bowler Arron Lilley but only succeeded in top edging a catch through to wicketkeeper Alex Davies. Lancashire will be delighted to have ended a dangerous partnership between Collingwood and Mark Stoneman.

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Ravi Bopara is swinging the match in Cardiff heavily towards Essex as Glamorgan look to have begun to collapse.

The visitors have lost four wickets for 13 runs in 16 balls and Bopara has grabbed his second of the evening as William Bragg has to depart after Ryan ten Doeschate takes a brilliant catch off the Englishman's bowling.

Craig Meschede is then run out without facing a ball by Greg Smith attempting to take a single that was never there.

WICKET J Taylor (c Bairstow b Plunkett 3)

Another wicket, another fine Yorkshire catch. James Taylor dabs at Liam Plunkett ands send a edge through to Jonny Bairstow, who dives forward to take a fine low catch. Nottinghamshire need a big innings from Samit Patel now.

WICKET Adams (b Riley 1)

Hampshire lose their second wicket as captain Jimmy Adams plays an ugly swipe across the line and is bowled by Adam Riley.

The evergreen Owais Shah comes to the crease and sweeps his first ball for four.

Wickets in consecutive overs has Birmingham teetering as first Sachithra Senanayake outfoxes Tom Lewis, who dances down the track, and is stumped by Ben Cox.

Brett D'Oliveira then has Varun Chopra caught at deep mid-wicket by Whiteley for 22 as the Pears look to press home their advantage.

Stoneman (32 balls, seven fours)

A second T20 half-century for Mark Stoneman as he and Paul Collingwood continue their partnership. They've put on 51 runs in just under six overs, with Collingwood hoisting Steven Parry for six to celebrate.

Chris Jordan has taken some punishment with the ball at the start of this Somerset innings.

After Marcus Trescothick hits him for two boundaries in the opening over, Jim Allenby then launches the England man for six over mid-wicket in his second.

Somerset off to a steady start in the chase.

Durham are ticking along nicely after the loss of Calum MacLeod. Paul Collingwood is doing what Paul Collingwood does - rotating the strike and merrily sending the bad balls to the boundary.

Mark Stoneman has judged his innings well so far. Calmed after the loss of two wickets, he pulls Steven Croft to the boundary to move closer to a half-century.

WICKET Carberry (c Denly b Grifiths 20)

Kent have their breakthrough and Michael Carberry is gone. After finding the boundary again, the former England opener tries to hit David Griffiths for a maximum but only picks out Joe Denly at deep square leg. You sense Kent needed that after Hampshire's flying start.

WICKET Smith (c Plunkett b Pyrah 27)

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Yorkshire's fielding has been outstanding tonight. Samit Patel narrowly avoids being run out courtesy of a good throw from Adil Rashid in the deep, before he sweeps the next ball perilously close to the stumps.

It's Liam Plunkett, however, who takes a fine high catch on the boundary to dismiss Greg Smith and stall Notts' recovery.

James Vince is hardly hanging around either, smacking three boundaries off Mitch Claydon as Hampshire fly out of the blocks.

New Zealand's day at Lord's

With all the craziness of the T20 underway this evening, it's easy to forget there is the small matter of a Test match going on at Lord's.

New Zealand have certainly had the better of the second day against England after reaching stumps on 303-2 - just 86 behind the hosts' first-innings total.

After bowling England out for 389 in the morning, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham and Kane Williamson all scored half-centuries for the Black Caps.

Williamson will begin day three on 92, with Ross Taylor unbeaten on 47. If you want to relive the action, you can read Stephan Shemilt's report.

Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale has used six bowlers in eight overs after a frenetic start at Trent Bridge. Adil Rashid calms things down with a tidy over, before Samit Patel breaks the chains by flaying Richard Pyrah through the off-side for four.

Patel then drives, dabs and sweeps Rashid to keep the scoreboard ticking over - Notts are refusing to let any of Yorkshire's bowlers settle.

WICKET Ingram 24 ( c Topley b Bopara)

It only takes three balls for Ravi Bopara to make an impact as he has Colin Ingram caught in the deep by Reece Topley.

There will be relief for the away side as the right-handed batsman had started to get into his groove having sent Topley for three boundaries in the previous over.

Maybe there will be calls for Bopara to be recalled to the England side after they day they've had in the field against New Zealand?

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Halfway through the innings and Birmingham captain Varun Chopra seems to be more in County Championship mode as he moves on to 10 off 19 balls.

With the right-handed batsman having played and missed at several deliveries in the first half of the innings, he is almost bowled by Sri Lankan spinner Sachithra Senanayake - but the ball goes just over the stumps.

Home-grown product Tom Lewis has cleared the ropes a couple of times and will be hoping to open up in the second half of the innings.

There's no messing around from Hampshire opener Michael Carberry who leg glances Darren Stevens for an opening boundary before depositing him over the ropes for successive sixes. What a way to start!

Ged Scott/BBC Sport

BBC Sport's Ged Scott at Edgbaston: Edgbaston is only half full for the second Bears-Pears derby here in a fortnight. Warwickshire won comfortably in the first one in the County Championship.

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After six overs last Friday night against Surrey, Glamorgan had racked up 53-1 but Essex have managed to somewhat shackle Colin Ingram and Jacques Rudolph.

They pick up a boundary each off the first and last balls of David Masters' over to keep the score ticking over.

I'm sure the home faithful in Cardiff will be looking for Ingram to replicate his innings from The Oval last week - where he hit a 47-ball 91 with seven fours and six sixes.

WICKET MacLeod (b Clark 18)

Just as Calum MacLeod was starting to accelerate - he took Tom Bailey's second over for 14 runs, including three boundaries - he's been bowled by Jordan Clark.

MacLeod, attempting a ramp shot over fine-leg, miscued and pulled the ball onto his stumps. Not the most elegant way of getting out. Over to Paul Collingwood to keep the acceleration going...

Derbyshire have recovered well to post a competitive total against Leicestershire.

A mid-innings collapse saw them 78-5, but a half-century from Chesney Hughes and unbeaten 38 from Billy Godleman has given the visitors a chance.

WICKET Taylor (c Fisher b Plunkett 8)

Slight bit of controversy at Trent Bridge. Fisher has been at it again, taking a catch in his armpit at mid-on. Brendan Taylor wasn't happy - he hung around to see if the umpires were going to declare it a clean catch. They did, and Taylor is back in the hutch, much to the crowd's displeasure.

Greg Smith, however, has had his revenge on Fisher. He dispatches the teenager for three boundaries, including a thudding pull shot through mid-wicket.

William Porterfield departs for a swift 27 off 21 balls, including sixes off Jack Shantry, Ed Barnard and Joe Leach, when his stumps are dismantled by the impressive Leach to give Worcestershire a vital wicket.

Barnard's first over went for eight, including a first ball wide, but he gives away just three singles from his second and beats Varun Chopra's bat a couple of times.

The Bears have won 10 of their last 13 games against the Pears but could there be an upset tonight?

I suspect Sussex will be fairly disappointed with their final total after such a flying start to the innings.

Chris Jordan fell in the final over for 37, straight after smacking Sohail Tanvir for his second six.

Harry Finch was then run out on the final ball of the innings for 25.

You'd have to say 175-6 is slightly below par with Taunton's short boundaries.

WICKET Wessels (c Fisher b Bresnan 13)

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Teenager Matt Fisher has had a helping hand in dismissing Riki Wessels. Two balls after thudding Bresnan for six, Wessels miscues high into the air, with Fisher taking a fine diving catch to send him back to the pavilion.

Brendan Taylor, meanwhile, isn't hanging around - he's cut Liam Plunkett for consecutive boundaries as Notts push their score along.

Team news

Hampshire have won the toss and will bat first against Kent at the Ageas Bowl.

Former West Indies paceman Fidel Edwards has passed a late fitness test on a shoulder injury to place for the hosts.

Kent make one change to the side that beat Sussex last week, bringing in Adam Riley for injured England one-day spinner James Tredwell.

David Griffiths and Matt Coles face their former side.

Hampshire: Vince (capt), Carberry, Adams, Shah, Ervine, Smith, Wheater (wkt), Wood, Arafat, Briggs, Edwards

Kent: Bell-Drummond, Denly, Northeast (capt), Billings(wkt), Stevens, Blake, Cowdrey, Coles, Riley, Claydon, Griffiths

WICKET Mustard (b Bailey 5)

Durham were riding their luck, with young pace bowler George Edwards beating Mark Stoneman's bat several times in a probing first over.

But it's Phil Mustard who is the first to fall, deceived by a slower full ball from Tom Bailey that bowls him around his legs.

WICKET Hughes (c Elliott b Raine 59)

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That's a big blow for Derbyshire as Chesney Hughes falls just when they needed him to take them through the final couple of overs.

Moments after being dropped, Hughes is caught by Grant Elliott off Ben Raine.

Billy Godleman will now hold the key to the closing stages of this innings as he's 35 not out.

A sedate start to proceedings at Edgbaston between the Bears and Pears. Just one boundary so far as William Porterfield punishes Joe Leach for bowling a short ball.

The Ireland captain then latches on to Jack Shantry's hip-high full toss to send it high in the afternoon sky for a maximum.

Ed Barnard is introduced for his first over. What a moment for the 19-year-old.

WICKET Wallace (b Napier 5)

Mark Wallace was starved of much of the early strike and after sending Graham Naiper for a boundary the Glamorgan wicketkeeper is clean bowled as Essex grab an early breakthrough.

Those quick wickets have seen the runs dry up for Sussex.

Chris Jordan has made a run a ball 13 so far, but the innings has run out of steam.

Can the England man muscle a few boundaries in the final three overs?

In keeping with Yorkshire's tradition of opening the bowling with an unlikely face, Glenn Maxwell has bowled the first over at Trent Bridge. One ball is short, wide and cut away by Riki Wessels to the boundary.

Tim Bresnan shares the new ball and an excellent throw from Rich Pyrah at mid-wicket almost sees Wessels run out at the non-striker's end.

Afridi helps Pakistan beat Zimbabwe

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Northants fans may be interested to hear that their overseas signing for the T20 Blast, Shahid Afridi, hit his first ball for four to win Pakistan their T20 international against Zimbabwe in Lahore by five wickets.

'Boom Boom' should be back in county colours in next Friday's game against Birmingham Bears at Wantage Road.

Hughes (37 balls, 4 fours, 3 sixes)

Chesney Hughes is quickly approaching his highest T20 score of 65 now.

The 24-year-old smacks Kevin O'Brien for a boundary to bring up his fourth half-century in the format.

What score can he help Derbyshire to?

Chesney Hughes has just hit his third six as he helps Derbyshire launch a slight recovery.

The big batsman is now four runs short of his half-century.

Team News

All eyes will be on the returning Ravi Bopara as the England batsman looks to help Essex claim their first victory of this summer's T20 Blast competition.

Reece Topley makes his return to first-team cricket following a lengthy injury lay-off as the Eagles chose to bowl after winning the toss.

Glamorgan, fresh from their record-breaking match against Surrey, will hope for big hitters Mark Wallace and Colin Ingram to keep up their good form.

Glamorgan: Rudolph (capt), Wallace (wkt), Ingram, Cooke, Bragg, Meschede, Wagg, Smith, Cosker, Hogan, Salter

Essex: Pettini, Ryder, Bopara, Foster (capt), Ten Doeschate (wkt), Smith, Napier, Velani, Tait, Masters, Topley

WICKET Cachopa (c Allenby b J Overton 16)

Erm, what did the home fielders have for their dinner? Jim Allenby has just pulled off a third sensational catch of the innings.

The ball after Luke Wright is dismissed, Craig Cachopa smacks the ball to Allenby who dives to his left and clasps the ball.

Chris Jordan is the new man in.

Team News

Durham have won the toss at Old Trafford and have decided to bat first.

Although he has arrived in Manchester following his stint at the IPL, James Faulkner is not in the Lancashire squad for tonight.

Durham meanwhile are without seam bowler Graham Onions, who is out with a chest muscle strain.

Lancashire: Prince, Livingstone, Brown, Croft (capt), Petersen, Davies, Clark, Lilley, Parry, Bailey, Edwards

Durham: Stoneman (capt), Mustard, MacLeod, Collingwood, Muchall, Pringle, Jennings, Borthwick, Arshad, Hastings, Rushworth

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Nabil Hassan/BBC Sport

BBC Sport's Nabil Hassan at the Ageas Bowl: Got to love the attention to detail at @hantscricket. Branded pies in the Ageas Bowl press box.

Team News

The biggest cricket derby in the Midlands sees the Bears take on the Pears at Edgbaston.

It's Worcestershire who spring the first surprise of the evening as 19-year-old Ed Barnard is handed his first-team debut as the visitors bowl. During the pre-season match in Birmingham the right-arm seamer impressed with figures of 2-28 of 14 overs.

Recordo Gordon plays his first match for Birmingham this season as he replaces Keith Barker.

Birmingham: Chopra (capt), Porterfield, Lewis, Ambrose (wkt), Clarke, Evans, Javid, Patel, Gordon, Wright, Rankin

Worcestershire: Mitchell (capt), Oliver, Kohler-Cadmore, Gidman, Barnard, Whiteley, Cox (wkt), Leach, Senanayake, D'Oliveira, Shantry

WICKET Luke Wright (c Gregory b J Overton 49)

Oh wow, that's another stunning catch by a Somerset fielder and it's the crucial wicket of Luke Wright.

The Sussex skipper top edges a ball from Jamie Overton and Lewis Gregory races in and takes the ball just inches above the turf.

Wright falls one run short of his half-century.

Team News

At Trent Bridge, Yorkshire have won the toss and opted to bowl.

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is making his first appearance for the Vikings in place of the headband warrior Jack Brooks, while 17-year-old Matt Fisher keeps his place after his remarkable 5-22 against Derbyshire.

Nottinghamshire will be looking to their superb death bowler Luke Fletcher to continue their winning streak - Notts have won their last four T20s against Yorkshire.

Yorkshire: Gale (capt), Hodd, Lees, Bairstow, Leaning, Maxwell, Rashid, Plunkett, Bresnan, Pyrah, Fisher

Nottinghamshire: Wessels, Smith, B Taylor, Patel, J Taylor (capt), Mullaney, Gidman, Wood, Ball, Fletcher, Gurney

The runs are continuing to flow at Somerset as 19 come off Abdur Rehman's third over.

Luke Wright moves onto 47 as he smashes the Pakistan spinner for a six and a four after Craig Cachopa had hit the first ball of the over for a maximum.

WICKET Poynton (c Wells b Naik 1)

This innings is now in danger of completely collapsing.

Derbyshire have lost four wickets for 20 runs as Tom Poynton becomes the latest man to go.

The wicket keeper chips Jigar Naik straight to Tom Wells at long-on who holds onto the catch.

Naik now has three wickets.

WICKET Elstone (c N O'Brien b Naik 0)

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They say one brings two, and that's the case for Leicestershire as Scott Elstone edges Jigar Naik into the grateful gloves of Niall O'Brien to depart for a golden duck.

New batsman Tom Poynton survives the hat-trick ball.

WICKET Jayawardene (c Cooper b Allenby 36)

What an absolutely stunning catch that was from Tom Cooper.

Mahela Jayawardene slashes Jim Allenby away and Cooper plucks the ball out of the air at a shortish third man.

The Sri Lankan batsmen will be absolutely livid at getting out when well set.

WICKET Thakor (c N O'Brien b Naik 2)

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Oh dear, Derbyshire are in danger of throwing away a good start here.

Shiv Thakor is caught behind off the bowling of Jigar Naik.

Mahela Jayawardene and Luke Wright are continuing to motor along for Sussex in Taunton.

Jayawardene struck Abdur Rehman's first ball for six and now has 34 off 21 balls.

Sharks captain Luke Wright is 30 not out off 18 balls.

A total of over 200 is on the cards here.

WICKET Durston (c N O'Brien b K O'Brien 26)

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Just as I said Wes Durston had helped the Falcons make a fine start, the skipper is out.

Ireland international Kevin O'Brien comes on to bowl for Leicestershire and tempts Durston to edge behind to his brother Niall O'Brien behind the stumps with just his second ball.

Shiv Thakor is the new man in.

Derbyshire captain Wes Durston has struck five boundaries in his 25 off 13 balls as the Falcons make a fine start despite the loss of Hashim Amla.

They are scoring at nine an over and will surely be looking for a score of 180 or more.

Sussex are absolutely flying now.

Mahela Jayawardene hits Lewis Gregory for four and follows it up with a huge six.

The Sri Lankan then strokes another boundary as the Sharks bring up their 50 in five overs.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Mike Taylor/BBCWM

BBC WM's Mike Taylor at Edgbaston: Commentary box view at Edgbaston for @BearsT20 v Worcs, commentary @bbcwm from 6.20pm

WICKET Amla (c Taylor b McKay 8)

What a huge wicket that is for Leicestershire.

Hashim Amla pulls Clint McKay's second ball straight to Rob Taylor at deep square leg.

Amla's wait for a T20 ton goes on.

Dropped catch

Alfonso Thomas has just dropped a sitter. Luke Wright skies a Jamie Overton delivery, Thomas gets himself under the catch but it goes straight through his hands.

The batsmen run two and Wright is unbeaten on 14. Are Somerset going to pay for that?

All eyes on Gillespie

PA

Yorkshire are at Trent Bridge this evening to face Nottinghamshire.

But all the pre-match attention is on Tykes coach Jason Gillespie, who is set to hold talks with England over the vacant head coach position.

Hashim Amla and Wes Durston are up and running for Derbyshire.

Atif Sheikh started off the innings with two wides as he went for nine off his first over.

South African batsmen Amla has never scored a century in this format. Could tonight be his time?

WICKET Nash (lbw Thomas 4)

Not the start the visitors would have wanted on a flat batting deck at Taunton.

Alfonso Thomas has trapped Chris Nash lbw third ball.

Mahela Jayawardene is the new man for the Sharks.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Somerset bowler Tim Groenewald: T20 time, buzzing to watch the lads this evening in the @NatWestT20Blast, should be a great atmosphere! Come on @SomersetCCC #FTDT

Listen to live coverage

One thing we should add is that to select your commentary this evening, click on the 'Live Coverage' tab and scroll through to pick your game.

Follow T20 Blast on BBC Sport

Joe Townsend/BBC Sport

You can listen to ball-by-ball coverage of every match in this season's T20 Blast from BBC local radio stations via the BBC Sport website - commentaries are available on desktop, tablet and mobile devices.

In addition, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra will provide commentary of a selected match each Friday, while you can also follow a live text commentary of every set of Friday fixtures during the group phase.

And if you miss any T20 Blast action, there's a weekly podcast to help you catch up.

Team News

The news from Taunton is that Sussex have won the toss and elected to bat first.

Chris Jordan is back in the Sussex line-up after being released by England. The Sharks have made four changes in total from last week's defeat at Kent.

Somerset are still waiting for the arrival of Chris Gayle from the IPL but they do have Pakistan left-arm bowler Sohail Tanvir in the starting XI.

Somerset: Trescothick (capt), Trego, Cooper, Hildreth, Allenby, Gregory, Rehman, Thomas, Waller, Tanvir, J Overton

Sussex Sharks: Nash, Wright (capt), Jayawardene, Cachopa, Jordan, Beer, Yardy, Robinson, Mills, Finch, Piolet

Team News

Leicestershire have won the toss at Grace Road and elected to field first.

The Foxes have made one change to their side as left-arm fast bowler Atif Sheikh comes in for James Sykes.

Derbyshire also make one change with Greg Cork, son of former England bowler Dominic, replacing Alex Hughes

Leicestershire Foxes: Eckersley, Cosgrove (capt), K O'Brien, Elliott, N O'Brien, Wells, Raine, McKay, Taylor, Naik, Sheikh

Derbyshire Falcons: Durston (capt), Amla, C.Hughes, Thakor, Elstone, Godleman, Poynton, Wainwright, Cork, Cotton, Footitt

Return of the big guns

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With the Indian Premier League finally beginning to wind down, a few players are beginning to return to our shores for the T20 Blast.

The big news this evening is that Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will make his Yorkshire debut against Notts.

The 26-year-old endured a difficult time with Kings XI Punjab as his side finished bottom of the table, but Tykes fans will be hoping 'The Big Show' can sparkle for them tonight as he did at times with Hampshire last year.

Ravi Bopara also returns from India to bolster Essex's depleted squad. The county have been forced to rely on their youngsters in recent weeks, but Bopara's return, along with the fit again Jesse Ryder and Mark Pettini will boost their top order against Glamorgan.

Another Aussie, James Faulkner may be available for Lancashire but we'll have to wait and see.

Look away now if you're an England fan...

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Remember, the T20 Blast isn't the only cricket going on at the moment.

Down at Lord's, England and New Zealand are doing battle on the second day of the first Test.

It was England's day yesterday but New Zealand are currently on top after a good day with the bat.

If you want to follow the final hour or so's action, click here.

Opening night recap....part two

At The Oval, Glamorgan raced to 240-3 - the fourth-highest score in domestic T20 matches in England - to beat Surrey, who were bowled out for 215.

The 455 runs scored was a the highest aggregate total in T20 cricket in England.

Meanwhile at Headingley, 17-year-old Matthew Fisher took 5-22 as Yorkshire easily saw off Derbyshire.

Elsewhere, Lancashire beat Leicestershire with a last-ball boundary from Steven Croft, Durham won a rain-affected tie with Northants, Gloucestershire defeated Middlesex and there were also wins for Kent and Hampshire over Sussex and Essex respectively.

Opening night recap....part one

Huw Evans picture agency

This week's action will certainly have a lot to live up to if it is to match the drama of the opening night of the competition last Friday.

Alex Hales starred with 86 not out off 43 balls at Trent Bridge as Nottinghamshire beat defending champions Birmingham Bears by eight wickets. The opener struck eight sixes - six of them in successive balls he faced.

However, Notts will have to do without the 26-year-old tonight because he is with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

He hasn't actually seen any cricket in India yet........surely you'd be better off entertaining us Alex?

Join the debate at #bbccricket

So the T20 Blast is under way, and although some of the overseas stars are yet to arrive in England, some of the world's top talent will be appearing at a ground near you over the coming weeks.

So, which players are you most looking forward to watching in this season's competition?

Are you hoping for some "Boom Boom" from Shahid Afridi at Northants? A "Gayle-force" innings from Chris at Somerset? Or a "Big Show" from Yorkshire's Glenn Maxwell?

Get in touch using #bbccricket on Twitter or on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Tonight's action

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The pick of the games has to be at Edgbaston where 2014 champions Birmingham Bears take on rivals Worcestershire.

In the corresponding fixture last year, Varun Chopra's 74 off 49 balls helped the Bears chase down a target of 176 with four balls to spare.

Some of the other notable matches include last year's beaten finalists Lancashire against Durham at Old Trafford, Nottinghamshire will be looking to make it two wins from two as they welcome Yorkshire, and Hampshire play Kent in the last game of the evening which gets under way at 19:00 BST

Here is what we can look forward to:

Leicestershire v Derbyshire - Leicester 17:30 BST

Somerset v Sussex - Taunton 17:30 BST

Glamorgan v Essex - Cardiff 18:30 BST

Lancashire v Durham - Old Trafford 18:30 BST

Nottinghamshire v Yorkshire - Nottingham 18:30 BST

Birmingham v Worcestershire - Edgbaston 18:30 BST

Hampshire v Kent - Southampton 19:00 BST

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Fancy dress, fireworks and a fun-filled Friday.........just a few things we can expect on another night of T20 Blast cricket action.

Last week we had a record number of runs, a teenage bowling star and Alex Hales peppering the crowd with sixes.

Who's up for more of the same tonight then?

Commentaries available on this page: (scroll through the live coverage tab to select your game)

Live scorecards available here

Birmingham v Worcestershire - BBC Coventry and Warwickshire and BBC Hereford and Worcester

Glamorgan v Essex - BBC Radio Wales and BBC Essex

Hampshire v Kent - BBC Radio Solent and BBC Radio Kent

Lancashire v Durham - BBC Radio Lancashire

Leicestershire v Derbyshire - BBC Radio Leicester and BBC Radio Derby

Nottinghamshire v Yorkshire - BBC Radio Nottingham and BBC Radio Leeds

Somerset v Sussex - BBC Radio Bristol