Leicestershire Foxes slipped to a 10 run defeat by Somerset Sabres in the Norwich Union League clash at Grace Road after squandering a blistering opening partnership between Shahid Afridi and Trevor Ward.

They smashed 96 runs in the first nine overs as the Foxes chased a target of 251. Shahid hit a brilliant 58 off 25 balls with six sixes and four fours and Ward made 43 before being needlessly run out.

And that began a Leicestershire collapse which must have worried manager Jack Birkenshaw and encouraged Somerset ahead of Saturday's C&G Trophy final match between the two sides at Lords.

The Sabres have now completed a Norwich Union League double over the Foxes and the title is once again hanging in the balance with Kent closing the gap on Leicestershire to six points after their win over Gloucester. It means Leicestershire now need to win two of their last three matches to guarantee the title.

But they were far below their best in this game with some loose bowling and untidy fielding helping Somerset to a challenging total of 250 for six.

The foundations were laid with an opening stand of 138 between Peter Bowler and Ian Blackwell. Both punished some wayward bowling from the home attack with Blackwell making 75 off 64 balls and Bowler 77 of 110 deliveries.

Once they were out the rate slowed as Darren Maddy (3-40) and Shahid (3-45) finally gained some control to put Leicestershire back in the game. The thrilling stand between Shahid and Ward looked to have put them in winning position – until the middle order collapse.

Only a half-century from Neil Burns kept the Foxes in the hunt against some tight bowling from the Sabres with Jamie Grove taking three for 24 as Leicestershire finished on 240 for nine.

© CricInfo