While opponents Middlesex celebrate a first white-ball final since 1990, Leicestershire Foxes will make the short trip to Trent Bridge for a second showpiece in three years.

Whether their far more recent experience of competing in, and indeed winning, this event will stand them in better stead is, of course, still to be decided.

However, this young and ambitious Foxes squad has continued to build on the recent success of the club - after their 2023 title, the Foxes were promoted to Division One of the County Championship last year.

Doubtless, they will be determined to take the final step again, having seen off Hampshire three years ago for what was then their first white-ball title in 42 years.

Having finished top of Group A with five wins from eight matches, the Foxes have shown consistency throughout the competition, with their young players once again standing up to be counted.

Hamza Shaikh, signed on loan from Warwickshire ahead of joining fully on a three-year deal this winter, has been the standout with the bat, leading the run-scoring charts with 405 at a hefty average of 81.

The 20-year-old has brought composure and aggression to the top order in equal measure, with his two centuries, one of which came in the knockout stages, underlining his ability under pressure.

Opener Rishi Patel has also, as expected, provided plenty of firepower, most notably with a remarkable 115 from just 61 balls as the Foxes cruised to an eight-wicket win away to Northamptonshire.

Captain Stephen Eskinazi has supplied experience at the top of the order, while Ben Cox, Nick Kelly and Ben Green have all made important contributions.

On the bowling side, another youngster, 19-year-old Alex Green, has put his hand up - extending his already-6’6” (1.98m) frame - by taking the status as the joint-leading wicket-taker in the entire competition, with 18.

His height makes for awkward bounce, while his genuine pace and ability to strike at crucial moments have made him a key weapon.

Although their homegrown and young players have excelled, there is also a dusting of international experience in this Foxes side, with Ajaz Patel - who has 29 caps for New Zealand - claiming eight wickets.

All-rounder Rehan Ahmed has also made an appearance, and while he may not appear in the final due to England’s two upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, the support he can give will be valuable.

With that combination of youthful energy from Shaikh and Green, experienced leadership from Ian Holland, also an Associate international with the USA, and the comparatively longer-in-the-tooth Eskinazi, the Foxes look well set.

As they battle to retain the Division One status in their first top-flight campaign since 2003, they will make the short journey across the county border with one aim - to cap a memorable season with another piece of white-ball silverware.