Ex-Notts man Dowman sees off his old county

Nottinghamshire's Benson & Hedges campaign suffered its first setback when former Trent Bridge favourite Mathew Dowman guided Derbyshire to their first group victory.

The left-hander scored an unbeaten 75 from 96 balls as Derbyshire survived a late scare to get home by six wickets with four balls to spare.

Nottinghamshire's total of 231-5 looked a good one on a slow pitch but Rob Bailey and Michael Di Venuto gave Derbyshire an excellent start before Dowman took charge.

He settled an absorbing contest by flicking Gareth Clough for six over deep square leg and then picking him up for another boundary to end a run of three defeats in the Northern Group.

Notts still go through to the quarter-finals but their 100 per cent record was shattered by the player they released at the end of the 1999 season.

Derbyshire skipper Dominic Cork said: "This was all about Mathew Dowman. I am absolutely delighted for him.

"He took responsibility and control and obviously still feels he has a point or two to make to one or two people at Trent Bridge."

Notts seemed set for a fourth victory as all their batsmen chipped in after Derbyshire had won the toss on a bright but cool day.

Usman Afzaal top-scored with 50 but Kevin Pietersen gave the innings a final flourish with an unbeaten 35 from 29 balls.

Bailey and Dowman put the home side firmly on course until a brilliant diving catch by Guy Welton sent back Bailey and Derbyshire wobbled when Cork was bowled for a duck but Dowman held his nerve to win the day.