Collingwood stars in comfortable win

Paul Collingwood proved the match-winner for Durham in the NatWest T20 Blast tie against Nottinghamshire at chilly Chester-le-Street.

Going in at 111 for 6 in the 15th over, the 40-year-old former England T20 captain hit an unbeaten 44 off 22 balls to post a competitive 178 for 7. He then helped to ensure that the visiting big guns failed to fire as his skilful variations of pace earned him 1 for 22 in four overs in a 66-run win.

The similar bowling of Keaton Jennings saw him also get through four overs for 1 for 15, reducing Nottinghamshire to desperation. Needing 101 off the last seven overs, they threw wickets away in being dismissed for 112, Barry McCarthy and Paul Coughlin finishing with three wickets each.

Durham's total was far more than looked likely when Samit Patel's left-arm spin stifled the middle of their innings. He took 3 for 14, but Collingwood's seventh-wicket stand of 37 with Coughlin provided real impetus.

Durham took 58 off the last four overs, helped by Harry Gurney bowling three of his four wides in the 17th. He also bowled two no-balls. Two overs later Collingwood lifted the left-armer for the only two sixes of the innings in front of midwicket.

Jake Ball's only success was with his first ball, which Phil Mustard edged behind, and he went on to concede 41 in four overs. It was also not a good night for Australia international Dan Christian, whose one over cost 15 and who scored only 9 before driving a Jennings full toss straight to long-on.

Riki Wessels, who made 97 in the equivalent game last season and an unbeaten 159 in the Championship against Durham this week, top-scored with 38.

At 61 for 2 after ten overs it was down to Wessels and Christian to provide the acceleration, but after lifting McCarthy for six over long-on Wessels holed out going for repeat. When Christian swiftly followed it was as good as over.