Pro40 Division Two, Northampton:
Lancashire 91-2 (11.5 overs) beat Northants 102-7 (21 overs) by eight wickets (D/L method)

Laxman used all his experience to see Lancashire past their target

India's VVS Laxman steered Lancashire to victory with 38 not out in a rain-affected Pro40 game at Northampton.

Northants were 11-2 when rain came and it was reduced to a 21-over game, but they were soon reeling at 25-5.

Rob White (23) and Johan van der Wath (35 not out) lifted the total to 102-7, and Lancashire were set a target of 100 under Duckworth-Lewis regulations.

More rain reduced the target to 88 from 14 overs, but although Tom Smith fell for 43, Laxman saw the visitors home.

Acting skipper Mark Chilton's decision to field first looked the right choice when Northants' top order crumbled - with five of the top six failing to reach double figures, while seamer Kyle Hogg took 3-18.

606: DEBATE The outfield looked unplayable JohnSheridan

But although White and van der Wath ensured some respectability for Northants - whose first two Pro40 games were washed out - the visitors always looked favorites.

Smith and Laxman - who was dropped twice - added 72 for the first wicket before the former was bowled by Andrew Hall, and although Monty Panesar then removed Paul Horton cheaply, the Red Rose county triumphed with 13 balls to spare.

Last week, Lancashire lost their Twenty20 Cup quarter-final to Somerset on a bowl-out - but this win lifts them top of Pro40 Division Two with two wins and one washout from their three games.

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