IN-FORM batsman Johann Myburgh is confident Somerset can progress in tonight’s T20 Blast quarter-final at Nottinghamshire and earn a place at Finals Day for the first time since 2012.

The 36-year-old has scored 290 runs in this year’s competition at an excellent strike rate of 172.62, including a vital 58 on a nerve-shredding evening in Southampton last Friday.

Reflecting on the 98-run victory at Hampshire, Myburgh said: “We put in a great performance but there were mixed emotions, as when we came off the field we still didn’t know what was happening elsewhere.

“When we found out it had gone our way, it was a very special feeling.

“We have played some very good cricket in the tournament so far – we have been inconsistent, but that can happen when you are trying to play aggressively.”

Somerset now face a tricky quarter-final against Nottinghamshire, who topped the North Group and knocked the Cidermen out at the same stage of this season’s Royal London One-Day Cup.

Looking ahead to this evening’s match, Myburgh said: “The team that go on to the field will be pumped up for a good performance, and it is up to us to play the attacking and fearless cricket we know we can produce.

“We would have preferred a home quarter-final, but we have a good record at Trent Bridge and some of the boys have happy memories of playing there.

“It was a high-scoring ground in the group stages and Notts have some dangerous players, but so do we – as we showed on Friday.

“I’m certainly expecting an entertaining game and would urge our supporters to make the trip if they can!

“The expectation and support here is big, so this is a good opportunity to reward that.”

The Pretoria-born batsman was also understandably content with his own displays in the competition to date.

He said: “I’m hesitant to talk about form, but I’ve been reasonably consistent in a format in which that can be difficult to achieve.

“I’m happy with where my game is and have been hitting the ball nicely – it’s all about the first five to ten balls, as once you get into your stride you can start hitting boundaries.”

Reaching Finals Day would represent a new achievement for the experienced batsman as, despite playing in similar events in South Africa and New Zealand, he is yet to do so in the UK during his county stints with Hampshire, Durham and Somerset.

Speaking about the prospect, he said: “Playing at Finals Day is something every county player aspires to and, having watched it on the television in previous years, I’m no different.

“It would be a special occasion and the memories would last forever.”