Glamorgan took a major step towards next week's Twenty20 Cup quarter-finals by securing their third victory from four group outings with a 32-run win over Gloucestershire at Sophia Gardens last night.

It put them top of the Wales and West group and even if they lose to Worcestershire at New Road tonight, they are still likely to qualify for the last eight, either by finishing runners-up or even as one of the two best third-placed sides in the group stages.

In incessant drizzle and under darkening skies, Gloucestershire had been set 163 to win, thanks mainly to David Hemp's 43 from 35 balls, but were bowled out for 130 with five balls to spare.

Despite the dreadful weather, Gloucestershire always had a chance while top-scorer Tim Hancock was at the crease, but once he was out five overs from the end Glamorgan had victory in the bag.

Glamorgan, without flu victim Matthew Elliott, had started slowly, scoring just six from the first three overs including the loss of Newport opener Ian Thomas.

But Matthew Maynard and Michael Powell gave the innings some impetus by hitting 39 from the next three.

The innings had a further setback when Maynard and Powell were out in the space of three balls from James Averis.

But Hemp and Mark Wallace gave Glamorgan's innings another kick-start, the left handers putting on 46 in five overs.

After Wallace was one of three catches in the deep by Ian Fisher, Darren Thomas displayed his adept use of the reverse sweep.

Glamorgan's innings was given an extra boost by Gloucestershire conceding 23 extras, including 11 wides.

Gloucestershire made a hash of their chase, losing two wickets in the first two overs. Craig Spearman skied a catch to mid-off off Andrew Davies and Steve Adshead edged a lifting delivery from Darren Thomas behind.

In deteriorating weather Hancock, on nought, was lucky to survive when Wallace dropped a testing catch running back towards fine leg, but Gloucestershire slumped from 35-2 to 69-5.

Alex Wharf, named in England's 30-man World Cup squad, pegged back Mike Hussey's middle stump, while Adrian Dale claimed the wickets of Chris Taylor and Mark Alleyne in consecutive overs.

When Hancock perished for 56 off 43 balls to a good catch to deep cover off Darren Thomas, Glamorgan were safe with Gloucestershire losing their last three wickets for 18 runs.