Alex Hales struck ten boundaries in an unbeaten 96 to ease Notts to victory over Durham in the Clydesdale Bank 40.

Hales was well supported by Samit Patel who scored a run-a-ball 46 before he was stumped by Phil Mustard.

Ali Brown (8), Matthew Wood (11), David Hussey (0) and Steven Mullaney (8) couldn’t get started as Notts chased down a victory target of 182 with 25 balls to spare.

“Alex was superb today and it’s very pleasing that he finished not out and didn’t throw anything away as we got towards the target,” said Notts Director of Cricket Mick Newell.

“We like to see top order batsmen taking responsibility and he’s done that today.

“Durham are a good side and they’ve had some good wins over us in recent years so it’s nice that we’re coming out on top in this season’s tussles.

“They set high standards in all formats and we do the same so games between us are keenly contested.”

Luke Fletcher failed to complete his sixth over after rolling his ankle but his injury os not thought to be serious. Darren Pattinson bowled superbly to take 2-24 from 8 overs as Durham struggled aside from Muchall’s 77.