Wicket keeper Chris Read ran out three players in a dramatic final over as Notts Outlaws tied with Northants Steelbacks for the second time in the competition.
Hall, Middlebrook and Howgego were all dismissed as Northants managed to score nine runs from the final six deliveries.
Northants appeared to be in control until Niall O’Brien and Chaminda Vaas were dismissed in quick succession.
“In low scoring games, pressure mounts on both teams towards the end of the innings and that leads to errors as we saw today in the final over,” said Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell.
“Our two spinners did very well to slow the rate and David Hussey and Dirk Nannes came to the fore at crucial times.
“We know that one more win will give us a home tie in the quarter finals and that’s a great position to be in with three matches to play."
Dirk Nannes, Samit Patel, Darren Pattinson, Graeme White and Steven Mullaney all took a wicket whilst Ryan Sidebottom bowled his allocation with accuracy and control to help defend an Outlaws total of 144-8.
The top three of Ali Brown, Alex Hales and Matt Wood failed to fire but Samit Patel (40) and David Hussey (41) gave Notts some impetus ahead of Chris Read’s unbeaten 28.
Notts are assured of a place in the quarter finals of the competition and know that two points from their final three group matches will secure a home tie.
Friends Provident t20 ticket information
Notts Outlaws v Leicestershire Foxes (Thursday 15th July, 7pm, Trent Bridge)
Notts Outlaws v Yorkshire Carnegie (Saturday 17th July, 6.10pm, Trent Bridge)
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Under 16s £8
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