Notts Outlaws continued their excellent form in the Friends Life t20 with a comprehensive victory over Derbyshire Falcons inspired by Alex Hales and Samit Patel.
Patel, a late inclusion in the Outlaws' plans after being given permission to play by England Team Director Andy Flower, hit the winning runs to silence a lively crowd and battling opposition.
"It's always great to win here because it's a cup final atmosphere and the best way for us to respond to it is to stay focused on winning the match," said Patel, who savoured 7 fours and 2 sixes in his 70.
"I'm very happy because I was told to go to Notts and score some runs and I've done that now. I might have more opportunities to come back and play and Andy Flower will decide when I need matches.
"Alex produced an outstanding knock and he helped me by taking the risks whilst I was getting settled and then I took some pressure off him later on."
Martin Guptill underpinned the Derbyshire innings with a fluent 79 as they posted 170. His presence reduced the impact of the early departures of Wes Durston (1) and Chesney Hughes (4) as the Notts attack had the best of the opening exchanges.
Darren Pattinson atoned for three consecutive wides in the first over of the match when he clean bowled Durston and, although expensive with 40 conceded from his four overs, he eventually accounted for Guptill.
Ross Whiteley’s two-a-ball 40 steered Derbyshire to a solid score on a ground where 150 has been par.
Tamim Iqbal hit a solitary four in his debut knock but he perished for eight, caught at short third man after top edging. Voges (5) clipped a full-toss to midwicket as Notts slipped to 24-2 but Alex Hales and Samit Patel maintained an assured presence to get the visitors back on track.
They brought up a 100-partnership in the 14th over but Hales was caught by Guptill who made good ground from mid-off. His 76 featured ten boundaries of which five were maximums but his dismissal disrupted Notts as Riki Wessels went for three when he misjudged an attempted reverse sweep and was clean bowled by spin prospect Tom Knight.
Chris Read (1) was unlucky to have his low drive, seemingly destined for four, held by Guptill. Patel held steady though and with three overs to play, Notts needed 27 runs to win. Patel celebrated his 50 off 34 balls and saw Notts home with three balls to spare.