Mick Newell: Nottinghamshire face YB40 must-win 'pressure'

Director of cricket Mick Newell says Nottinghamshire's final YB40 group game is a must-win after twice failing to secure a semi-final berth this week.

Notts suffered their second loss in three days on Thursday, going down to Sussex by four wickets.

While Newell's men remain top of Group A, Northants' win over the Netherlands means they can still catch them.

"We have put all the pressure back on the last game of the season," Newell told BBC Radio Nottingham.

A final day triumph at Kent on 26 August will be enough for the East Midlands club to secure semi-final qualification, even if Northamptonshire beat Warwickshire.

"We have had two chances, and we now have a third to make sure we secure a semi-final by winning that match," Newell continued.

"The best thing is if we win we know we are through, whereas if Northants win it is not in their hands because we can pip them with a victory at Kent."

Opening batman Alex Hales got Nottinghamshire off to a strong start with a century at Hove, scoring 101 from 89 balls.

David Hussey made an unbeaten 82 and Riki Wessels added 34 as Nottinghamshire posted 291 for victory.

In reply, Northants captain Ed Joyce battered the visitors with an unbeaten 123, while Luke Wright and Matthew Machan both notched half centuries.

"I'm very disappointed with the effort in the field, and we paid a price," Newell said.

"We were not able to contain Wright, Joyce and Machan, and we were really just trying to catch up all the time in the last 15 overs."