Hampshire will qualify for a fourth Friends Life t20 quarter-final in as many seasons if they beat rivals Sussex at The Ageas Bowl tonight.

The Royals would already be assured a last-eight place if Surrey and Middlesex had won last night.

Both lost, to Kent and Essex respectively. But Hampshire’s destiny is in their own hands with two home games this weekend concluding their South Group campaign.

If Hampshire beat Sussex tonight they could yet pip the South Group leaders to top spot by disposing of Essex on Sunday.

That would ensure a home quarter-final, as would finishing as the best of the three runners-up.

After five successive wins, Jimmy Adams believes the Royals are generating the sort of momentum that has seen them qualify for the last two Finals Days.

“As a group we feel happy and confident in our manner of play, we’ve got a strong order up front with a few of us still waiting to really come off with the bat, which bodes well,” he said.

“The bowling unit looks more settled now and people know what they’re doing which is really important in this format.

“There’s a buzz in the field and we understand what we’re up to. Momentum’s a word used a lot nowadays but there’s a belief that we can qualify.

“Two more wins would be ideal and it may even get us a home quarter-final.

“That would be excellent, but Sussex will be a tough game, they’re flying high.”

Tonight’s match begins at 7pm.

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