Outlaws hold nerve to keep QF hopes alive

LAST MAN FARHAN SQUEEZES NOTTS HOME WITH BALL TO SPARE

- ECB REPORTERS NETWORK SUPPORTED BY ROTHESAY

NOTTS Outlaws kept alive an outside chance of qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Vitality Blast as they chased down a target of 189 to beat North Group rivals Leicestershire Foxes, winning by one wicket with just a ball to spare in a breathtaking finish at Trent Bridge.

The only one-wicket victory in the county's T20 history was achieved when last man Farhan Ahmed squirted the penultimate ball into the offside off Logan van Beek (three for 25) and, running back for second run, scrambled home as Foxes wicketkeeper Ben Cox fumbled his take from the boundary fielder’s throw.

It capped a superb fightback by the Outlaws, who had looked out of contention at 100 for four in the 11th over, despite skipper Joe Clarke’s 50 from 24 balls.

The chase was reignited by Daniel Sams smashing 33 off just 12 balls and Tom Moores 42 off 30 - only for three quick wickets to tip the pendulum back towards the visitors, before 17-year-old Farhan had the last word in a thrilling finale.