Defending T20 Blast champions Gloucestershire exited this year’s competition with a last-ball defeat by Sussex on a night when Lancashire and Northamptonshire reached the quarter-finals.
Hampshire missed the chance to secure their place in the last eight as they were beaten by a Jordan Cox inspired Essex at Chelmsford.
Cox smashed 139 not out off 60 balls, although Hampshire’s vastly superior net run-rate means they would need some extraordinary results on Friday not to qualify.
In the North Group, leaders Lancashire gained revenge over Yorkshire with a 21-run Roses win to guarantee a home quarter-final.
Northamptonshire saw their qualification confirmed without playing thanks to Worcestershire’s 45-run win over Nottinghamshire which also keeps the Rapids in the hunt.
Surrey and Somerset have already qualified for the quarter-finals from the South Group which means there are four more places up for grabs in Friday’s final round of group fixtures.