James Vince top scored for Hampshire against Essex with 125. Hampshire's T20 Blast captain James Vince believes semi-final opponents Notts Outlaws will provide a "tough test" at Edgbaston on Saturday.

The Hawks booked a spot at Finals Day for a record 12th time after a 75 run victory over Essex at the Utilita Bowl on Wednesday night. Vince top scored for his side with 125 off just 61 balls, and Sonny Baker then starred with the ball, taking a career-best 5-24.

Hampshire will be looking to win the Blast trophy for the fourth time on Saturday, and take on the Outlaws in the second semi-final of the day following Northants Steelbacks against Somerset.

"We know it will be a tough test against Notts," Vince told BBC Radio Solent. "Anyone that's in the competition at this stage is obviously a good side and playing good cricket, and they have a really well balanced side.

"Hopefully if we put in another performance like tonight then it will be good enough for us to have another crack in the final. It's big to make it back for Finals Day personally, I'm not getting any younger and it's always a special day to be a part of, it's why some of the older guys keep coming back and I'm delighted to be back."

Hampshire lost the toss and batted first at a quieter Utilita Bowl than normal, a result of lower numbers in attendance after the match was brought forward because of England's World Cup semi-final later in the evening. Openers Vince - who has not played red-ball cricket since 2024 - and Toby Albert got off to a strong start, forging a partnership of 60 before Albert was dismissed for 22.

Vince was then dropped on 46 and went on to punish Essex for the lapse, reaching his hundred from 43 balls. Hampshire ended their innings on 211-3 and then bowled well to limit the Eagles to 136-9 in reply.

"It was one of those days where everything seemed to go right and a fairly stress-free win in the end," Vince added. "I'm delighted to be at Finals Day and I felt good out there, coming into the quarter finals and knockout cricket it's good to make a contribution and hopefully we can take this forward into Saturday.

"A couple of the guys missed out last year like Hilton Cartwright and it's such a good day, I'm glad we're there and with an opportunity to win the competition."