Sports India

SOURAV Ganguly smashed an impressive half century to help Northamptonshire post 264 for seven against Nottinghamshire in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy one-day match at Trent Bridge.

The former Indian captain, who had an uneventful last outing against Worcestershire, hit seven boundaries and one six in his knock of 71 off 106 balls after Northamptonshire won the toss and elected to bat.

The left-handed batsman opened the innings with SD Peters, who was trapped leg before wicket by GJ Smith after mere seven balls, but Ganguly stood firm to lay a strong foundation and emerge the top scorer for the visitors.

He was caught by Stephen Fleming off GD Clough when northants were 156 for four.

BM Shafayat was the only other batsman to score a half century as he made 53 off 63 balls which included five fours and one six.

Elsewhere, Dinesh Mongia disappointed as he was trapped lbw at a score of 14 while Leicestershire went on to make a huge score of 314 for three in their stipulated 50 overs against Scotland.

Opener DL Maddy hit an unbeaten 167 to while D Robinson (40), HD Ackermann (43) and JL Sadler (41) made useful contributions after Leicestershire won the toss and elected to bat.