VICTORY away to Leicestershire tomorrow will take Durham into the quarter-finals of the Twenty20 Cup, despite last night’s washout at home to Lancashire.

A win at Grace Road, where play starts at 2.30, will lift Durham above their hosts to finish second in the group behind Lancashire, which will also guarantee a place in division one of next season’s new Twenty20 event.

Leicestershire’s win against Yorkshire put them one point ahead of Durham, who were expecting a crowd of around 8,000 last night.

More than 6,500 tickets had been sold in advance and with no play possible Durham will have to refund the money.

Persistent heavy drizzle and murk meant the only entertainment for those who did turn up came from a brief appearance from the dancing girls.

Durham lost by seven wickets off the last ball at home to Leicestershire, seeing their chance disappear when the penultimate ball, bowled by Paul Collingwood, was driven for a straight six by Jacques Du Toit, the man who blitzed Yorkshire last night.

Leicestershire have been relying on a very young attack and if the match is to be David Warner’s last appearance for Durham he will want to take full advantage of their inexperience.

Durham coach Geoff Cook said: “Warner has made a difference.

He is a very exciting batsman and he’s very quick in the field. He has fitted in well and sets a good example in all respects.”

Warner has said he will be available, if required, for the quarter-finals, which are to be held on July 27, 28 and 29, with finals day at Edgbaston on August 15.

Durham off-spinner Paul Wiseman is to retire at the end of this season to begin a coaching career with Canterbury in New Zealand.

Kiwi Wiseman made his Durham debut three years ago. The 39-year-old, who has played 25 Tests, said: ‘‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Durham, whose success over the last few years I have been proud to be a part of.

‘‘I will leave with some great memories and will continue to play whatever part I can for Durham for the remainder of the season.’’