Worcestershire Rapids record-breaker Daryl Mitchell says there will be plenty of stake in the back to back Vitality Blast fixtures with Birmingham Bears as the battle to reach the quarter-finals reaches a thrilling climax.
The Rapids entertain their local rivals on Friday at New Road (5.30pm start) and then travel to Edgbaston for the return encounter on July 16, with the LV=Insurance County Championship match between the counties at New Road taking place in between.
Mitchell, who has become the first Rapids player to take 100 T20 wickets, first faced the local rivals in a thrilling Edgbaston encounter 16 years ago and was on the winning side in a one-run success.
Only one point currently divides the two sides in the race to qualify for the knockout stages.
Mitchell said: “These are big games, aren’t they, right at the back end of the group. We play them three times in a week, with the County Championship game in the middle.
“I always look forward to those fixtures, there will be a good smattering of fans, and they are always great occasions.
“There is going to be a lot on these games, with both of us still vying for qualification out of the group and getting through to the quarter-finals.”
The Rapids moved into third spot after defeating Derbyshire Falcons last Friday evening at the Incora County Ground.
Mitchell said: “Results last Friday went in our favour, but ultimately we’ve just got to keep focusing on what we can do.
“There are three games left, and we will try and win all three and see where we end up.
“There are some big sides and some excellent sides in this group. It is a topsy turvy affair. Everyone can beat everyone in this group.
“It is tough, but you’ve just got to focus on what you do, concentrate on executing skills with bat and ball and try and put in good performances.
“If you do that often enough, then hopefully you get enough wins to qualify.”
