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Saqlain's wiles turn game for Surrey

Surrey (156-3) bt Northamptonshire (152) by 7 wkts

This was one of the more spectacular falls from grace for Northamptonshire. The Swann brothers decimated the Surrey attack in the early overs, then the home side lost their last nine wickets for 62 in 22 overs, transfixed like startled rabbits in the full glare of the visitors' spinners.

Saqlain Mushtaq took a wicket in each of his first three overs, finished with four for 28 and so bemused the home batsmen that ribald laughter rolled from the terraces at their attempts to play the Pakistani.

Ian Salisbury, back in his home county, took three wickets in the space of 15 balls and by the 36th over Northamptonshire were back in the pavilion.

Graeme Swann's off-breaks briefly promised a Northamptonshire revival as he dismissed Alec Stewart and Ian Ward within 12 balls to sharp close-in catches.

But all hope was extinguished by Graham Thorpe and Alistair Brown sharing a 76-run stand to bring victory with 14 overs left.

As Alec and Graeme Swann launched into Surrey's fast bowlers we sat back expecting a glut of runs. Alec, 22, took three boundaries off a Bicknell over which produced 16 runs. Graeme, two years younger and promoted up the order, hit Joey Benjamin four times to the fence in five balls.

Two overs produced 32 runs and by the 10th, Northamptonshire were 65 for one and Surrey visibly reeling. Then came Saqlain.

In his present form, Saqlain must be giving county batsmen sleepless nights. He has now taken 42 wickets in nine assorted one-day and championship games, including 11 in three matches in this competition.

The Swanns put on 59 from 40 balls but Saqlain put paid to all that with his second ball when he trapped Alec lbw trying to turn to leg.

Russell Warren seemed unable to put bat to ball before he was caught behind and Graeme Swann's sweep to leg - after hitting 42 off 32 deliveries - carried all the way to Ben Hollioake deep in the square position.

Salisbury took up the running, bowling David Sales with one that kept low; Paul Taylor - inexplicably pushed up the order - fatally lunged across the leg spinner's line and Kevin Curran was the victim of his own poor footwork.