Alex Hales returned to T20 action with a rapid half-century as Nottinghamshire’s Second XI completed back-to-back victories over Northamptonshire.
The right-hander’s 59 off 28 balls helped ensure a five-wicket victory with a ball to spare in the second of two matches at Northampton.
The Outlaws had, by then, already triumphed in game one thanks to an encouraging all-round performance from Dan Christian.
The T20 skipper, fresh from a recent flight to the UK from Australia, scored 49 off 38 balls and took 3-40 in a 12-run win.
Lyndon James won the toss and elected to bat at the start of the day. Ben Slater (28 off 16), Samit Patel (30 off 26) and Sol Budinger (35 off 16) helped Christian compile 176-6.
Only Richard Newton reached 30 for a Northants side also featuring several first team regulars. Zak Chappell (2-0-9-2) and Carter (4-0-21-2) ensured that the home side fell 12 runs short.
View the game one scorecard here…
Northamptonshire chose to bat first in the second game of the day. Richard Levi powered 84 runs off 47 balls to setup their total of 176-7.
Zak Chappell’s 3-21 was the standout performance of the day for Ant Botha’s side.
Joe Clarke was rapidly out of the blocks for the Outlaws in reply, scoring all but three of a 37-run opening partnership with Alex Hales.
Hales, however, soon picked up where his opening partner left off – blazing five sixes and four fours in a knock that powered Notts ahead of the required rate.
Ben Duckett (29 off 26 balls) and captain James (18 off 11 balls) eased the visitors closer to their victory target despite the loss of Liam Patterson-White for nine.
Twelve runs were required from the final over, bowled by Ben Sanderson, with Chappell and Luke Wood (13* off 14) at the crease.
Chappell (10* off 5) launched a crucial six off the second ball of the over before pushing the winning single with a solitary ball to spare.
View the game two scorecard here…
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A Notts Outlaws squad brimming with international talent will commence their T20 Vitality Blast campaign against Worcestershire Rapids at Trent Bridge on Thursday 18 July, with adult tickets priced at £10. Secure your seats…