Lancs progress to quarter finals in style.

Khawaja top-scored on his t20 debut for Lancashire.

Lancashire claimed a 27-run victory over the Durham Jets in their final North Group match to secure their position at the top of the North Group ahead of the quarter finals of the Natwest t20 Blast.

The hosts amassed a healthy total of 164/8 after winning the toss and deciding to bat first, with Usman Khawaja (44) and Ashwell Prince (43) launching the Lightning towards this score, earning a partnership worth 84 for the first wicket inside eight overs.

Durham fought their way back superbly, claiming five wickets for 23 runs to restrict Lancashire's progress, but Steven Croft added 31 as the hosts posted a score which proved to be too much for the visitors.

With little more than pride resting on this match, Durham can take a lot of credit from the way their bowlers came back after Khawaja and Prince had obliterated the opposition, accumulating a powerplay score of 71/0.

At the same stage in their innings, Durham were in a desperate state at 27/2 and failed to recover from this position despite scoring 110 runs in the final 14 overs.

Gareth Breese (3-18) bowled particularly well for the visitors, removing both of Lancashire's openers and captain, Paul Horton (8) but his fellow bowlers did not have as much success after a wicketless Chris Rushworth was hit for 46 runs from his four-over allocation.

The visitors showed similar spirit in their run-chase, but were left lamenting a slow start with the bat, one which ultimately cost them the game. Many people have questioned how Lancashire will be able to continue to bowl economically without Junaid Khan, but Kabir Ali (3-19) showed that he is determined to lead the Lighting's bowling ranks, bringing his campaign total to 19 wickets.

Much like Breese did for Durham, Ali claimed crucial wickets, including Durham opener Phil Mustard, who was removed for 49 at a vital juncture in this game. Ali also removed Gordon Muchall (37) and Breese (17) to put the result beyond doubt and secure a tenth victory for Lancashire, as they finished the group stages with 22 points.

Ali was supported well by Lancashire's t20 debutant, Kyle Jarvis (2-25), who removed Callum Macleod (5) and Paul Collingwood (15) as the visitors struggled to match-up to Lancashire's fast start.