David Willey: Northants can play with freedom in T20 Blast quarter-final

David Willey says Northamptonshire can play with freedom when they take on Hampshire in the quarter-finals of the T20 Blast on Friday.

The Steelbacks reached the last eight of the competition for the first time since 2016 after beating Worcestershire Rapids by eight wickets in their final group game on Tuesday.

Willey, who has been in impressive form with both bat and ball this season, believes his side can cause an upset against Hampshire, who finished top of the South Group.

"We've got nothing to lose," he said. "We're going into the game as underdogs, so we can just go out there and play with freedom.

Northamptonshire have won four of their last five matches in the T20 Blast, including a victory over Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl earlier this season.

Willey is hoping that his side can produce a similar performance on Friday.

"We know that Hampshire are a strong side, but we've shown that we can beat them," he said.

"We're going to need to be at our best, but I'm confident that we can get the win."

The match between Northamptonshire and Hampshire will be played at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Friday, July 15.

The game will start at 7pm and will be shown live on Sky Sports.