Notts Outlaws recovered from the first-ball dismissal of opener Michael Lumb to record a resounding victory over Scottish Saltires and further enhance their chances of a reaching the semi-finals of the Clydesdale Bank 40.
Gordon Goudie trapped Lumb leg-before but an 82-run partnership between Alex Hales and James Taylor got the Outlaws back on track.
Samit Patel top-scored with 82 as the Outlaws posted 265-5 and the Scots never got close.
Notts lie third in Group B but are now one point behind leaders Hampshire with a game in hand.
Adam Voges was the chief tormenter with the ball taking 3-37 from 7.4 overs having stepped in to complete Darren Pattinson’s first over as he pulled up with a groin strain. A fitness test on Tuesday will determine whether Pattinson can take his place in the Notts Outlaws team to face Hampshire Royals in Wednesday’s Friends Life t20 at Trent Bridge.
Jake Ball will be on standby to step-up after a tidy performance against the Saltires. He conceded 9 runs from his first four overs in a disciplined and economical showing.
“The batsmen were excellent today and it’s always a good sign when the bowlers don’t need to pad up,” said Ball.
“We’ve pulled ourselves back into contention in our group and we are very pleased to have something to play for in all three competitions.”
Ryan Flannigan made a composed 38 to give the visitors some impetus but the gulf between the sides made light of the defeat on Scottish soil which had put the Outlaws on the back foot in the group, a state of the affairs that has now been dispelled.