Notts Outlaws sealed the runners-up spot in the NatWest Pro40 League after a brilliant batting performance against Sussex Sharks.

Notts Outlaws 283-7 (Wagh 77, Patel 72, Fleming 58)
Sussex Sharks 274-4

Notts Outlaws won by nine runs

With Sussex weakened by injuries and handing debuts to two players, Notts took full advantage and smashed the bowlers for more than seven an over.

Skipper Stephen Fleming set the early tempo with a run-a-ball 58, while Mark Wagh’s brilliant form continued as he stroked 77.

The 30-year-old put on 123 for the fourth wicket with Samit Patel, who hit eight fours and two sixes in a rapid 72 before both men fell in the closing stages.

The total of 283 always looked like being too much for the hosts, despite an unbeaten 123 from Carl Hopkinson.

Charlie Shreck picked up two wickets with the new ball and Rob Ferley also bagged a brace.

But with their captain Chris Adams unable to bat after getting stitches on a finger injury sustained in the field, Sussex were left to try and get 20 runs off the final over bowled by Andre Adams, and could only manage 10.

Director of Cricket Mick Newell said: “We had a good pitch to bat on and could tell it was going to be a high-scoring match, but we still batted very well.

“Fleming batted nicely, Wagh maintained his form and Patel injected a bit of pace to the innings at the end.

“Sussex never got ahead of the run-rate and I never felt that we were losing the game. Finishing second in Division One is a decent effort and in general, our one-day cricket has again shown signs of improvement.”