Notts Outlaws bowler Ajmal Shahzad has praised his teammates for getting over the line following a middle order wobble that had threatened to derail hopes of a home quarter-final.
Notts will face Derbyshire at Trent Bridge on Tuesday after beating Warwickshire to secure first place in Group B.
Shahzad constructed a crucial 27 before being run out in the final over to set up a tense climax. He enjoyed a reprieve after being clean bowled off a no ball before striking the consequent free-hit for six to turn the tide.
“My first feeling when we won the game was one of relief,” said Ajmal.
“We were cruising and then we crashed and then we pulled it out right at the end.
“The odds were against us with ten overs to go but we keep finding ways to win.”
Shahzad reserved special praise for Alex Hales who has shown remarkable form to establish himself as a leading light in all formats despite beginning the season on the periphery of the LV= County Championship squad.
“The things that Alex is doing at the moment are just unbelievable to watch,” said Shahzad.
“He doesn’t need me to pump his tyres but long may it continue because he is such a force for us at the top of the order and he can have the same impact for England.
“He knows his role and he’s churning it out.”
Nottinghamshire sit second in the LV= County Championship with three games to play and hope to mount a credible challenge for honours.
“It goes without saying that we want to get a trophy in the cabinet and if we finish the season without one then it will feel like a bit of kick,” said Shahzad.
“It’s not nice to sit at home this weekend knowing that Finals Day is happening without us but we have a lot of cricket to play in two competitions that we feel we can win.”
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