Sorry Notts lose their way

A spectacular Nottinghamshire collapse handed Durham victory by six runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method in an eventful NatWest Pro40 encounter at Trent Bridge.

After West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul had propelled the visitors to 179 for nine with two sixes and eight fours in a classy innings of 77, Nottinghamshire seemed destined to cruise past their rain-reduced target of 153 off 25 overs while Mark Wagh was at the crease.

But Wagh was forced to retire hurt with a shoulder injury after reaching 50 and, with 19 needed off the last 16 balls, Nottinghamshire imploded as six wickets fell for 12 runs.

England bowler Steve Harmison picked up 2-27 as the Dynamos climbed off the foot of Division One.

Durham started their innings rapidly through Chanderpaul and Phil Mustard, but the first of three rain interruptions led to the latter’s dismissal as he drove Charlie Shreck to deep cover.

That brought Will Smith to the wicket and the former Nottinghamshire batsman added 60 with Chanderpaul for the second wicket in just 11 overs.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul's 77 proved the centrepiece of Durham's total of 179 for nine

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But Smith’s departure for 25 to Mark Ealham took the wheels off the Durham innings, with four more wickets falling in the next 27 balls.

Left-arm spinner Rob Ferley removed Gordon Muchall and Dale Benkenstein in a double-wicket maiden and then fielded a drive off Chanderpaul to run out Gareth Breese.

Darren Pattinson swiftly sent Ben Harmison back courtesy of a catch behind as Durham slumped from 105 for one to 120 for six.

Chanderpaul perished attempting to hit Shreck over long-on, with Graham Onions run out for 10 and Liam Plunkett caught in the final over.

More rain in the interval shortened the match further but the spectacular new permanent floodlights at Trent Bridge ensured the batsmen had no problems with seeing the ball.

Outlaws opener Matt Wood hit four fours before he was caught down the leg side but Wagh joined Will Jefferson and kept the runs flowing.

Harmison saw his first over go for 11 but his pace and aggression slowed the run-rate and the pressure told as Jefferson holed out off Breese for 43.

South African Ashwell Prince made an undistinguished debut as the hosts’ overseas batsman with a leading edge to cover, with Wagh forced into desperate measures as he launched Breese for two consecutive sixes.

His efforts seemed to pull a muscle in his upper left arm and, although he tried to carry on, another boundary off the returning Harmison forced his retirement.

The remaining home batsmen utterly failed to cope with the pressure and three men were run out in an embarrassing finish.