Lancashire new favourites to take Twenty20 title

The Twenty20 Cup is now starting to take shape with the eight quarter-finalists decided, and Lancashire have taken over favouritism for the competition from Surrey, at 9/4 (3.25) with bet365.

Their outstanding one-day tradition sees them above Surrey, but the London side, who again topped their qualifying group, are 7/2 (4.50) even though the likes of Graham Thorpe will not be contributing much to their cause due to his England commitments.

Lancashire's favouritism is partly due to the fact that they are up against Derbyshire in the quarter-finals, the rank outsiders of the remaining eight at 22/1 (23.00), who scraped through behind Lancashire and Leicestershire.

Cup holders Leicestershire, who began the competition as a great each-way chance at 14/1, are now 7/1 (8.00). They meet Middlesex, who are also 7/1 (8.00) in the last eight. Surrey meet Warwickshire, who are understandably long at 9/1 (10.00).

Those of you looking for value may be keen on Northamptonshire at 6/1 (7.00). They topped their qualifying group, and will expect to get past Somerset, who are 15/2 (8.50) to reach the semi-finals.

The quarter-finals are scheduled to take place on July 18, with the semi-finals and final to be played at The Oval on 30 July.