Two sides that have never met before in a T20 match lock horns at The SSE SWALEC in Cardiff next Thursday and South Wales is braced for a momentous night of high-octane cricket, as Glamorgan host Yorkshire Vikings.
Glamorgan finished second in the NatWest T20 Blast South Group, while Yorkshire came third in the North Group – it's certainly a difficult game to predict. Although Yorkshire – county champions in 2014 and 2015 – would usually be billed as favourites for such a match, Glamorgan's T20 form has been formidiable this season.
Colin Ingram has led the way for the Welsh county, with 486 runs and 29 sixes – the most of any player in the competition. He's been the lynchpin of an adaptable Glamorgan side, with a explosive batting lineup and strength in depth when it comes to bowling. David Lloyd has enjoyed a breakthrough season at the top of the order too.
The additions of Shaun Tait and Timm van der Gugten have added pace to an experienced attack, which also boasts the guile and experience of Michael Hogan and Graham Wagg. The recent news that Tait will stay on for as long as Glamorgan are in the competition, is an extra boost for Glamorgan fans.
For Yorkshire, the quarter-final represents a chance to banish some of their recent T20 horrors. Four-day kings they might be, but they've been perennial under-achievers in the shortest format.
Yet the Vikings can now call upon three World T20 finalists, in Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett and David Willey, as well as an experienced batting order which has been complimented by the arrival of Aussie batsman Travis Head.
Glamorgan Chief Executive Hugh Morris, speaking to the media earlier in the week, admitted Yorkshire were a tricky prospect, but also an attractive tie for the Welsh county.
Yorkshire is a tough but plum draw for us,” said Morris. "They have been the team to beat in most competitions in recent years.
“They have produced more England cricketers in recent times and have a tradition and history of success over many summers.”
And Morris outlined the importance of qualifying for T20 Finals Day for only the second time in Glamorgan’s history since the T20 tournament started in 2003. The Welsh county's previous – and only – appearance came in 2004 when they lost in the semi-finals.
“It’s a really big day for us,” added Morris. “We have a very considerable obstacle in our way in Yorkshire and we are not thinking beyond that.
“But we are trying to develop and improve our performances.
"It was great to get to a Lord’s final in 2013 and this would be the next step for us.
“For the people of Wales who have got behind us in this competition, they would love the opportunity to go to Edgbaston on August 20 for Finals Day.”
Glamorgan v Yorkshire Pre-Match Stats
– Glamorgan and Yorkshire Vikings have never faced each other before in T20 cricket.
– The Welsh outfit won their only previous home quarter-final match (v Warwickshire in 2004).
– Yorkshire Vikings failed to win either of their previous two completed away quarter-finals matches.
– Colin Ingram (Glamorgan) has struck 29 sixes so far this campaign; six more than anybody else.
– Timm van der Gugten (Glamorgan) has the best bowling average of any bowler to take 12+ wickets this season (14.5, 17 wickets).
Possible Yorkshire lineup: Lyth, Willey, Lees, Head, Leaning, Bresnan, Plunkett, Rhodes, Rashid, Hodd, Rafiq.
You can secure your tickets for Glamorgan v Yorkshire Vikings on Thursday August 11 (adults £10, under 17s £5) by clicking here.