FRIENDS PROVIDENT t20, Chester-le-Street:
Nottinghamshire 186-4 beat Durham 175-5 by 11 runs
Match scorecard

Hard-hitting Ali Brown hit three sixes and six fours in his 52-ball knock

Ali Brown's best score of this year's FP t20 helped Notts to an 11-run win over Durham at Chester-le-Street.

Brown (73no) and Samit Patel (51) put on 112 in 12.2 overs, with David Hussey adding 20 off eight balls, as Notts posted 186-4 in 20 overs.

Durham always seemed up with the run-rate in reply thanks to ex-skipper Dale Benkenstein (40) and Ross Taylor (33).

But Notts held their nerve to take key wickets, the pick of the bowlers being paceman Darren Pattinson (2-16).

The turning point of the game came when Notts took two wickets in four balls, the first of them in the 15th over.

606: DEBATE Great game...another win, we're almost unstoppable, can't wait for tuesday!!! greenandgold2005

David Hussey and wicketkeeper Bilal Shafayat, standing in for the injured Chris Read, combined to run out South African big-hitter Albie Morkel for four.

Then, Benkenstein pulled Pattinson to deep square leg and Alex Hales held the catch, but staggered backwards over the rope and threw the ball back into play before regaining his balance to complete the catch.

After much deliberation, Benkenstein took it upon himself to accept Hales' word that he was still inside the rope when he threw the ball up.

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell told BBC Radio Nottingham:
"I definitely thought it was out and I think the reaction of the Durham players around the boundary would confirm that.

"Dale Benkenstein asked Alex Hales if it was out and Alex said he definitely caught it and, credit to Dale, he accepted his word on that.

"We've known Dale a number of years and he's an excellent cricketer and a good fellow."

BBC Newcastle's Martin Emmerson: "Dale Benkenstein is one of the most honest cricketers you will meet.

"It was difficult to say whether Alex Hales had taken a clean catch to dismiss Benkenstein, but all the suggestions were he stepped off the pitch.

"Umpire John Steele wanted to signal a six but the Notts players were insistent that it was a catch.

"Replays suggest it was a six but Benkenstein took Hales at his word and walked."

Durham's Dale Benkenstein tells BBC Newcastle:
"I waited for the umpires to confer and they said they were not sure.

"I asked the fielder and he said he was 100% sure he caught it, so I went on his word and walked. I feel it was the right thing to do.

"I didn't want to cost Durham the game but it's pretty disappointing when you look a guy in the eye and ask him if he was sure.

"If he said he wasn't that sure then obviously I would have stayed, but he said to me he was 100% sure and that was good enough for me."

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