Somerset leave it late

Somerset ended Nottinghamshire's 100% Natwest Pro40 Division One record with a stunning three-wicket victory off the penultimate ball at Taunton.

Omari Banks struck the winning runs after Craig Kieswetter (57), Zander de Bruyn (44), James Hildreth (38) and Wes Durston (36) had chipped away at a target of 241.

Graeme Swann kept Notts in the match with an outstanding spell of 4-35 from eight overs.

Adam Voges (68 not out) and Will Jefferson (53) top-scored in Notts' 240 for seven, but it was a savage last-over assault from Paul Franks (34no), which ensured a challenging total.

Franks hit Arul Suppiah, who had previously taken two for nine from three overs, for 28 to set up a captivating contest.

Craig Kieswetter provided the early momentum in Somerset's successful run-chase with 57

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Somerset looked in trouble at 177 for five, despite Kieswetter's 85-ball innings and a breathtaking knock from Hildreth, whose runs came off only 22 deliveries with three sixes and three fours.

But Durston kept them in touch with three sixes and a four and Suppiah also played his part with 18 before being run out in a mix-up with Banks.

Four were needed off the final over and the drama continued as Notts skipper Mark Ealham conceded only two off his first four deliveries.

Home supporters in a crowd of more than 3,000 cheered with relief as Banks hit the penultimate ball to wide mid-on and scampered the two remaining runs.

Swann was unlucky to finish on the losing side. He flighted his off-spinners to excellent effect, claiming the wickets of Marcus Trescothick (29), Kieswetter, de Bruyn and Hildreth.

Earlier, Jefferson had laid the foundation for the Notts innings with his best score of the season. The 6ft 10in opener hit a six and four fours in facing 61 balls.

But after reaching 91 for two off the first 15 overs, the visitors lost momentum against the off-spin of Banks, who took one for 36 from eight overs, and the medium pace of de Bruyn (1-41).

Voges hit six fours in his 75-ball innings, but at 212 for seven entering the final over Notts looked well below a par score on a fast outfield.

Franks changed all that by flaying Suppiah to all parts. However, in the final analysis the Outlaws paid for losing momentum in mid-innings. Alfonso Thomas claimed 2-42 from eight overs.