Jim Troughton keeps Bears on course

Warwickshire captain Jim Troughton led by example with a half-century in his side's seven-wicket win over Northamptonshire in the Friends Life t20 at Wantage Road.

Australia international Cameron White hammered 39 off just 24 balls as the Steelbacks posted 153 for 7 with England one-day seamer Chris Woakes taking 3 for 27. Warwickshire then maintained their quarter final-push by easily chasing down their target with 23 balls to spare and for the loss of just three wickets as Troughton smashed a brilliant 68 not out off 49 deliveries. Rikki Clarke supported with 48 off 31 balls as Northamptonshire's run without a home win in this competition was extended to 13 matches.

The hosts won the toss and chose to bat but they lost their captain Alex Wakely for 3 with the fifth delivery of their innings when he edged Woakes to Bears wicket-keeper Richard Johnson. Paul Best then dismissed Kyle Coetzer for 24 when he was scooped to Stefan Piolet at short fine leg. David Willey was run out for 22 by Woakes, running in from backward point, two balls later when White attempted to run a quick single off Best.

After White smashed 28 off Jeetan Patel in the 16th over, Rob Newton holed out after clubbing 38 off 26 balls when he was taken at deep extra cover by Varun Chopra off Darren Maddy. White followed with the next ball when he swept Maddy to Patel at third man before Northants' wicketkeeper David Murphy (7) chipped Woakes to Laurie Evans at point and the same bowler skittled Rob Keogh for 1.

Chasing 154, Warwickshire lost Chopra for a golden duck in the first over when he played former Sri Lanka seamer Chaminda Vaas on to his stumps. Vaas then trapped Clarke lbw before he could complete his half-century to break a second-wicket stand of 85 with Troughton.

Troughton stuck around, however, to reach 50 off 35 balls, but Maddy bowed out for just two when he was pinned lbw by Con de Lange. But a crushing win for Warwickshire was sealed with a single by Troughton off De Lange in the 17th over, leaving Evans unbeaten on 33 from only 12 balls.