Former England all-rounder Ravi Bopara believes that 'being brave' was the key to Northants Steelbacks reaching Finals Day in the T20 Blast. The 40-year-old delivered a stunning performance, scoring an unbeaten 105 off just 46 balls, as the Steelbacks defeated Surrey by seven runs in a rain-affected match reduced to 14 overs a side at The Oval.

Bopara's innings was pivotal in helping Northants post a competitive total of 148-3, which proved just enough to put Surrey under pressure. Reflecting on the match, Bopara said, "I thought we had to get 140 minimum. It's never easy because you're swinging at a new ball, nobody really gets time to get in. Ten an over is usually a good score, and we managed to get just above that."

The Steelbacks, who are the 2013 and 2016 champions, now have the opportunity to become only the third team to win the T20 Blast three times, following in the footsteps of Leicestershire and Hampshire. Their next challenge will be at Edgbaston on 13 September.

Bopara's experience and skill were crucial as Northants rebuilt their innings after both openers were dismissed for ducks in the first over. He shared a 47-run partnership with Justin Broad and an unbroken 74-run stand with Saif Zaib. Bopara praised Broad's contribution, saying, "Broady played really well. He came out and was asking 'what do you think?' I just said 'keep going, there's 14 overs, and if one of us has a day out, we'll win the game.'"

Surrey's chase was led by Ollie Pope (41) and Sam Curran (69 not out), but tight bowling from David Willey and Ben Sanderson in the closing overs stifled their efforts. Bopara highlighted the importance of their performance, stating, "Ben and Dave, under pressure, have been unbelievable. They've won us that game towards the end."

As Northants prepare for Finals Day, Bopara is also on the verge of a personal milestone. He needs just 61 runs to reach 10,000 runs in T20 cricket. Reflecting on his longevity in the game, Bopara said, "I'm still enjoying it, it's still fun."