Fit-again all-rounder Andrew Flintoff made a solid contribution for Lancashire as Notts Outlaws came up short at Trent Bridge.
The England star didn’t bowl but took two catches on the boundary and scored 13 off nine balls before he was bowled by Rob Ferley.
The result saw Notts drop one place to second in the Northern Division of the Twemty20 Cup but qualification to the knockout stage is still on the cards if the Outlaws can take points from trips to Lancashire and Leicestershire ahead of Friday’s game against Yorkshire at Trent Bridge.
“Lancashire played very well and pegged us back but we came back into the game and it made it close in the end,” said Notts all-rounder Samit Patel who was presented with a County Cap by captain Chris Read before the game.
“Flintoff is a very dangerous cricketer and it’s important for Lancashire and England that he isn’t rushed back too quickly.
“I think that two wins from three will be enough for us but it’s a tough group and we have to take our chances to make sure that we qualify.
“We’ve got two away games this week and we’re back at Trent Bridge on Friday and it would be a privilege to go through in front of our home crowd.”
Adam Voges hit 51 as Notts won the toss and set a target of 151 in a forceful wind before he was caught on the boundary by Flintoff.
With Lancashire firmly in control, Andre Adams gave Notts a glimmer of hope with two wickets in the 15th over but a flurry of boundaries saw the visitors past the post.
Francois du Plessis top-scored for Lancashire with 57 to help secure victory by five wickets.