By Tim Douglas 
Bopara’s ageless brilliance
At 40, many assumed Ravi Bopara’s best T20 days were long behind him. At The Oval, under lights and pressure, he produced one of the greatest individual innings in Blast history. His 105 not out from 46 balls, laced with 10 fours and 6 sixes, single-handedly turned Northamptonshire’s innings from a collapse into a competitive total of 154/4 in 14 overs.
It was Bopara’s first T20 hundred for Northamptonshire and arrived at a time when the Steelbacks desperately needed a savior. Two wickets fell in the first over to Jordan Clark, and Surrey were circling. Enter Bopara—mixing finesse with brute force, punishing anything short, and even dismantling Gus Atkinson for 18 in a single over.
Surrey stumble despite Curran’s heroics
Surrey’s reply was led by captain Sam Curran, who struck an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, including 4 sixes, but lacked the support he needed. Ollie Pope added a vibrant 41 from 23, yet George Scrimshaw’s clever changes of pace saw him strike crucial blows, including Pope and Dan Lawrence in quick succession.
From there, Surrey lost momentum. Laurie Evans briefly revived hope, but his dismissal left Curran with too much to do in the closing overs.
Steelbacks’ bowlers hold their nerve
In the high-stakes closing stages, Northamptonshire’s seasoned seamers came to the fore. Ben Sanderson (2/24) delivered a priceless 13th over that leaked just five runs, while David Willey’s yorkers in the final over sealed the deal. Surrey needed 19 off the last six balls, but only managed 12, falling short at 147/6.
The Steelbacks celebrated their first Finals Day qualification since 2016, powered by Bopara’s masterclass and a disciplined bowling effort under pressure.
Brief Scores
Northamptonshire 154/4 (14 overs): Ravi Bopara 105* (46), Tim Robinson 20 (12), Jordan Clark 3/13 (3)
Surrey 147/6 (14 overs): Sam Curran 69* (38), Ollie Pope 41 (23), George Scrimshaw 3/34 (3), Ben Sanderson 2/24 (3)
Result: Northamptonshire won by 7 runs
Player of the Match: Ravi Bopara (105* off 46)