A half century from Samit Patel earned Nottinghamshire a 23-run Twenty20 victory over Durham at Trent Bridge.

Patel hit 56 from 45 balls while Chris Cairns smashed 37 from 22 balls to help Notts to 166-6 from their 20 overs.

Durham began badly when Michael di Venuto went first ball, but a 49-run fourth-wicket stand between Will Smith and Dale Benkenstein gave them hope.

But both men fell to spinner Rob Ferley, who collected three wickets as Durham ended up short on 143-8.

The win for the hosts maintains their 100% record in this year's competition while the Dynamos are still searching for their first win.

Patel and Cairns put on 55 for the fourth wicket, before Patel was eventually bowled by Albie Morkel.

Cairns smashed three sixes before holing out to long-on, with Mark Ealham the sixth and final man to fall.

Di Venuto's first ball dismissal set the tone for Durham's reply and fellow opener Phil Mustard survived two dropped catches before he was bowled by Darren Pattinson's slower ball.

When Ferley picked up the wicket of Benkenstein there was no way back for the visitors and the spinner also claimed the wickets of Liam Plunkett and Gareth Breese before the close.