Friends Life T20 QF Preview.

Katich and Ali set for Hampshire return.

Simon Katich has been a vital
player in the campaign thus far.

Kabir Ali batting against
Leicestershire Foxes.

Simon Katich and Kabir Ali will play a decisive role in this evenings quarter-final at the Ageas Bowl, with both players formerly being on the Hampshire roster. 

Lancashire face perhaps the toughest of all quarter-final opponents in the Hampshire Royals, a side who have only lost once in this seasons campaign and they are the reigning champions.

However, the Lightning have a history of performing against Hampshire at this ground, having won twice before in quarter-finals.

Lancashire squad: Glen Chapple (captain), Kabir Ali, Karl Brown, Steven Croft, Gareth Cross (wicketkeeper), Jordan Clark, Kyle Hogg, Paul Horton, Simon Katich, Simon Kerrigan, Arron Lilley, Mitchell McClenaghan, Stephen Moore, Tom Smith.

Ashwell Prince is absent from the team due to 'personal reasons'.

Simon Katich insists that in spite of his former duties at Hampshire, the match will be very difficult, but Lancashire ought to enjoy the affair.

“We are playing the reigning champions on their home patch. From that point of view, hopefully we can just go out there and play with some enjoyment. We've got nothing to lose really,” he said.

“The thing about Twenty20 is that it's all on the day. It doesn't matter what's gone on in the lead-up, it's what's you do on the day. All it takes is one or two guys to have a good day out and you can win the game.

Lancashire will be fully aware of the challenge they face today. Hampshire are the favourites not only in this match, but for them retaining the title. With players like Michael Carberry, James Vince, Jimmy Adams and Sean Ervine, Hampshire have proven to be a destructive force with the bat.

The talented young bowlers on show, such as Chris Wood and Danny Briggs have also been paramount in their success and will prove to be difficult for Lancashire, who lost their last away match heavily to North Group leaders Nottinghamshire Outlaws.