Tom's Blast not enough to keep Outlaws in hunt

QUARTER-FINAL QUALIFICATION NOW OUT OF NOTTS' HANDS AFTER LOSS TO WORCS

- ECB REPORTERS NETWORK SUPPORTED BY ROTHESAY

WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids retained their sliver of a hope of Vitality Blast qualification with a 45-run win over Notts Outlaws at Visit Worcestershire New Road.

The Rapids amassed a hefty 206 for seven thanks to punchy contributions from the top five, led by Ethan Brookes (57 from 20 balls) and Brett D'Oliveira (46, 36). Dillon Pennington took three for 34.

The Outlaws replied with 161 all out (Tom Moores 57, 29 balls, Matt Montgomery 47, 22 balls, Brookes three for 30) to suffer a defeat which leaves their qualification hopes also hanging by a thread.

The Outlaws must beat Lancashire Lightning tonight and hope Warwickshire Bears and Leicestershire Foxes lose.

The Rapids, meanwhile, their group games over, need the Bears, Foxes and Outlaws to lose, accompanied by the required seismic shift in net run-rate.