Sir Richard Hadlee's Invitation XI triumphed in a star-studded charity opener to Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club's Superkings Weekend of Legends.

The Chairman of Selector's team, led by South African captain Shaun Pollock beat Sir Garfield Sobers' Invitation XI by seven wickets at Trent Bridge on Saturday.

The weekend's matches were arranged to raise money for the Pavilion Appeal at the top Test venue.

Sir Richard told Cricinfo before the early conclusion how he was "very anxious about the result."

This determination to win was passed to Shaun Pollock in a pre-match pep talk. Sir Richard told his team's leader, " I want it to be a competitive game. I want to win."

In contrast Hadlee's childhood role-model, Sir Garry, was keener on a close result to entertain the 5000 plus crowd.

Sobers' side, led by Courtney Walsh, made 166/6 between showers, with another former West Indies captain, Jimmy Adams, top-scoring with 47 not out.

Shoaib Akhtar, back after three weeks out with stomach problems, took two for 33, removing Aravinda de Silva lbw with a characteristic quick yorker. He also bowled Lance Klusener, commenting afterwards, "I was really looking forward to bowling at Klusener. I'm coming back gradually and slowly. I'm feeling pretty good and didn't try to bowl too fast."

Klusener later spoke of his doubts that Allan Donald, who took one for 19, would follow through his stated intention to retire from Test cricket to concentrate on the next World Cup, to be held in South Africa. Jonty Rhodes has the same plan. Rhodes later hit the winning runs, living up to his statement, " there's only one way I know how to play and that's flat out."

Donald spoke of the recent announcement that his former South African captain, Hansie Cronje, will be prosecuted for match fixing. Donald said he believed Cronje should not be prosecuted as it "could push him over the edge."

Hadlee's team scored the winning runs with over 16 overs to spare, with Gary Kirsten making 74 not out.

Sir Richard told Cricinfo of his return to Trent Bridge, where he played from 1980-87, " it's always a great experience coming back. It's like a second home. Playing county cricket was the greatest opportunity I had in my career."

© CricInfo