Sussex, Lancashire and Northants all benefited from heavy rain on the final day of the T20 Blast group stages as all three sides reached the quarter-finals.

Bad weather across the country ensured that chances of play were unlikely, with just two matches producing a result.

Lancashire almost lost their spot in the last eight before their progress was secured when they were unable to start their match against Worcestershire, while Northamptonshire also qualified from the North Group after their clash with Durham was abandoned.

Sussex qualified from the South Group after failing to start their game with Surrey at The Oval, but there was good news for Essex, whose chances were dealt a blow earlier in the evening when they called off the match against Kent.

Needing Gloucestershire to beat Glamorgan in a game reduced to five overs per innings, the Eagles were helped by Chris Dent, who struck an unbeaten 28 from 11 balls as his side chased down a target of 46 with seven balls to spare.

Yorkshire, who started the evening knowing that qualification was impossible, recorded an eight-wicket victory over Birmingham Bears.

The Bears were already assured of a quarter-final spot, but it was a disappointing night for the defending champions as they collapsed to 148 all out before Alex Lees (63) and Jack Leaning (60*) led Yorkshire to the win.

T20 Blast quarter-finals:

Sussex vs. Northants
Birmingham vs. Essex
Worcestershire vs. Hampshire
Kent vs. Lancashire