EIGHT wins in nine T20 games, home advantage this evening and a big Emirates Riverside crowd. It’s hard for Durham Jets not to go into their quarter-final against Sussex with belief and confidence.

But Jon Lewis, the Durham coach, understands the intricacies of Twenty20 cricket. A place in finals day is up for grabs. Edgbaston, September 15 is still some way off.

“Finals day is a highlight in itself and I’d urge anyone who hasn’t been there to go for the experience. We want to be part of it again, but let’s not get carried away,’’ reflected Lewis.

“This is a tough one, we’ve never played them in T20 cricket before. They have a strong bowling attack, but have lost Rashid Khan which is a good thing for us.

“They got in the last eight on the back of a late run, so have won their last three games. But it’s a new venue for them coming here in T20.’’

A crowd of around 10,000 is expected tonight. Durham have already recorded record advance sales, with under-15s admitted free for the 6.30pm start.

“It’s a big event for the club and the North-East – forecast is good, there’s been some decent cricket played too,’’ added Lewis.

“This is what T20 cricket is made for – you get through to the quarter-finals, get allocated your day and we wanted the Friday night slot. It’s ideal.’’

Durham have twice reached finals day, but have suffered some fallow years in the competition before it all came together this summer.

“The Rose Bowl (2008) wasn’t a great one, but last time (2016) we performed really well, but came up just short.

“We beat Yorkshire – who had a fully packed side with all their big guns out - in what I felt was probably our best display of the season and then lost in the final. For some ways that semi-final was the highlight.’’

A comfortable County Championship win at Glamorgan earlier in the week set Durham up nicely for this encounter.

Lewis added: “A winning team helps to attract the crowds, good results encourages people to come back and it brings a good feeling around the club and the dressing room – which can only help in other aspects of the game.

“It’s good to take a winning mentality from whatever form of the game – you can carry it from one form to the other.

“We had a run of eight wins in nine games, only lost one of our lost five. The week away when we won at Birmingham and Trent Bridge back to back gave us confidence and a lift – two very hard places to win.

“We came out of it feeling we were a decent side and confidence grew from it. I’ve seen previous years good players can be short of confidence, but it grew within them. We have adapted well to different conditions home and away.

“In any form of the game, small alterations can make a big difference and a positive mentality in the first-half have given us believe in the second-half.’’

Durham are boosted by Ben Stokes being made available after initially being ruled out by the ECB with a knee injury, and also have Mark Wood available.

Lewis has plenty of other matchwinners in his squad: “Guys like Nathan Rimmington, who have played Big Bash and IPL – not necessarily a stellar name, but knows how to play the game. Colly is always an asset.

“Tom Latham has led the side really well and has played international T20. Imran Tahir has been a big success. He’s not with us now and could be back if we get to finals day.’’

Admission tonight is £20 with under-15s free. Tickets can be booked at durhamccc.co.uk