Pakistani spin bowler Abdur Rehman ripped through the Notts Outlaws batting order to hand Somerset a Clydesdale Bank 40 victory that seriously dents hopes of progression to the semi-finals.
His haul of 6-16, a record for a Somerset bowler in 40-over cricket, restricted Notts to 206-9 and allowed the home side to cruise to victory with more than 10 overs to spare.
A 77-run partnership between Michael Lumb and Riki Wessels gave Notts a solid start having lost the toss and opener Alex Hales lbw reverse-sweeping to Rehman for 7.
Lumb (41) and Wessels (53) top-scored for the Outlaws but it was Graeme White’s 39 not out that provided hope as Voges, Mullaney, Ball and Fletcher fell for single figures.
Samit Patel couldn’t find the same assistance in the pitch, conceding more runs than Rehman in two overs alone. Craig Kieswetter’s rapid 44 and an accomplished knock from Somerset figurehead Marcus Trescothick ensured what would prove to be an efficient victory enjoyed by the Taunton crowd.
White (2-32) and Andy Carter (3-48) were the only Outlaws bowlers amongst the wickets.