By Tim Douglas 
Lancashire Book 10th Finals Day Appearance
Lancashire Lightning surged into their 10th Vitality Blast Finals Day with a thrilling three-wicket win over Kent Spitfires at Emirates Old Trafford. Chasing 154, Liam Livingstone produced a stunning all-round performance, striking 85 not out from 45 balls and claiming 2 for 21 with the ball.
In front of a raucous 12,000-strong Manchester crowd, the hosts sealed victory with nine deliveries to spare, keeping alive their hopes of adding a second Blast crown after their 2015 triumph.
Wood Strikes Early, Kent Struggle
Kent, asked to bat first, never quite found fluency against a disciplined Lancashire attack. Luke Wood struck with the first ball of the match, removing Tawanda Muyeye, and returned late to finish with 3 for 29.
While Zak Crawley (27), Joe Denly (28), and Joey Evison (27) offered starts, none carried on. Wickets fell regularly as James Anderson, Tom Hartley, and Livingstone himself chipped in. Despite a spirited 25 from Grant Stewart, Kent were bowled out for 153.
Klaassen Sparks Hope
Defending a modest total, Kent’s seamers gave themselves a glimmer of belief. Grant Stewart dismissed Phil Salt cheaply, before Fred Klaassen (3/14) tore through the top order. Lancashire were reeling at 31 for 3 inside five overs, with Keaton Jennings and Luke Wells also back in the pavilion.
Livingstone Unstoppable
But where others faltered, Livingstone stood tall. After a concussion check when a pull shot struck his own helmet, he counterattacked in typically destructive fashion.
He mauled his former county teammate Matthew Parkinson, launching three sixes in one over, and raised his half-century in just 25 balls. With boundaries raining down, he kept the scoreboard galloping even as partners came and went.
Michael Jones (28 off 16) added valuable runs, but it was Livingstone’s authority that carried Lancashire through. His seven sixes included one enormous strike over The Point conference centre, a shot symbolic of Lancashire’s dominance.
Brief Scores
Kent 153 in 20 overs (Zak Crawley 27, Joe Denly 28, Joey Evison 27; Luke Wood 3/29, Liam Livingstone 2/21)
Lancashire 156/7 in 18.3 overs (Liam Livingstone 85* off 45, Michael Jones 28; Fred Klaassen 3/14, Matt Parkinson 2/46)
Result: Lancashire won by 3 wickets with 9 balls to spare
Player of the Match: Liam Livingstone (85* & 2/21)