Kent's cricketers face the prospect of two televised limited-over knock-out ties within the next week for high pressure matches that may yet define whether their season is a success or not.

Kent trek up the M1 to Chester-le-Street in pursuit of their first Lord’s final appearance since 1997, but they will have to defeat the Friends Provident Trophy holders Durham if they are to achieve their day in the St John’s Wood sun on Sunday, August 16.

Kent will hope to welcome back one-day maestro Azhar Mahmood, the all-rounder rested his stiff back during Kent's four-day game at The Oval, while Martin van Jaarsveld, with three centuries and almost 500 runs already in Kent’s Trophy-run, will look to continue his fine form with the bat.

Looking ahead to Friday’s semi-final showdown that starts from noon, Kent's director of cricket Graham Ford said: “It’s a huge game but we’re certainly not the favourites going into it.

“When you look at their line up it's like reading down a World select XI, the list of high quality cricketers just goes on, so it’s going to be a huge challenge for us but one the guys are quietly looking forward to.

“You never know how good you are as a side until you take on the team who are rated as the top-dogs.

“If this game were played on paper Dirham look almost unbeatable in terms of who they have to pick from, but cricket’s a strange game and it isn’t played on paper.

“I’ve been very pleased with a lot of our one-day cricket this summer, so hopefully the boys can give it a massive crack and produce something special in Durham.”

The Dynamos, however, look set to be without England batsman and one-day skipper Paul Collingwood, who has been refused permission to play in the game by Test coach Peter Moores.

The hosts, who lost three of their first four Trophy qualifiers, still possess a powerful side, however. They could include the likes of Shaun Pollock, Steve Harmison, Liam Plunkett, Graham Onions, Aussie-raised Callum Thorp and South African Albie Morkel, brother of former Kent paceman, Morne, in their excellent seam attack.

Aussie Left-hander Michael Di Venuto and skipper Dale Benkenstein lead their batting ranks and will be the players Kent will want to see the back of quickest.

Kent will select from a squad of 13 for both games that will include the 11 on duty at The Oval this week coupled with Matt Walker and Azhar Mahmood.

4,500 tickets have been sold in advance for the tie, but with a capacity of 15,000, there will be plenty of space for any Spitfires’ fans making the trip. Tickets on the day will be £15 for adults and £6 juniors.

Next Wednesday evening, Kent return to Edgbaston, the scene of their 2007 Twenty20 Cup final triumph over Gloucestershire, to defend their title against hosts Warwickshire.