LANCASHIRE Lightning have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Twenty20 Cup following an easy 23-run win over Nottinghamshire at Old Trafford last night.

Lancashire are guaranteed at least one of the two best third placed finishes awarded as consolation to teams nationwide for not finishing first or second.

And, following a win in which Andrew Flintoff bowled for the first time since May 9 after recovering from a left side strain, their dream of a place in the £2.5m Champions League draws a step closer.

Lancashire were helped on their way to 155-8 by Lou Vincent’s cracking 56 from 36 balls, including nine fours and a six off Charlie Shreck. But Lancashire could have been made to pay for slumping from 95-2 in the 11th over.

They should have put Nottinghamshire out of sight completely, yet the wily Mark Ealham claimed 3-21 in four overs.

Francois Du Plessis, who hit 19 along with ex-Clifton man Gareth Cross, was one of the stars with the ball, recording 2-16 from three overs. Leg-spin twin Simon Marshall also got 2-20 from 3.2 overs.

But Flintoff really set the tone for the defence when he had in-form Adam Voges caught behind off just the fifth ball of Nottinghamshire’s reply.

Freddie, who finished with figures of 1-27 from his four overs, bowled with the express speed he is famed for.

Dominic Cork, who also grabbed a wicket, said: “For him to bowl all four overs we knew that one end was going to be blocked up.

“Today you were close to seeing him at 100 per cent. The rhythm will come with a period of time.”

Lancashire, who have won their last three games, face leaders Durham at the Riverside in their final group game tomorrow with the carrot of a home quarter final the only prize.