Steelbacks set their sights on revenge

Gloucestershire v Northants October 1, Bristol, 2 pm

- Luke Baker

BEN Sanderson is on a revenge mission and says that Northamptonshire Steelbacks are ready to “destroy somebody” as they gear up for a first Blast quarter-final since 2016.

That year saw them beat Durham at Edgbaston on Finals Day to lift the T20 trophy for the second time in four years but the three campaigns since have failed to deliver a single knockout appearance.

That all changed last week however, as Northants edged past Birmingham Bears in a must-win encounter following four straight defeats to pinch second spot in the Central Group – recovering from 53-5 and 140-7 in pursuit of 192 to record a dramatic three-wicket triumph.

That set up a last-eight clash against Gloucestershire in Bristol and after the West Country side charged to a 35-run victory over the Steelbacks during the group stage, Sanderson has just one thing on his mind.