HD Ackerman cracked 139 as Leicestershire held off a spirited effort from Northamptonshire to win their Friends Provident Midlands Division clash by just seven runs.

Cape Town-born Ackerman, one of Leicestershire's Kolpak players, led the visitors to 268-6 in their 50 overs, although the score could have been higher with further support.

England spinner Monty Panesar was granted just four overs to show what he could do, ending with figures of 0-21.

Northamptonshire's Ireland wicketkeeper Niall O'Brien hit 95 in the home side's reply, but things looked bleak when he fell to leave them 174-6.

However, Lance Klusener hit 42 to get Northants back on track, although Panesar and Johann Louw just failed to get their side over the line after entering the final over needing 15 runs for victory.

The result keeps Leicestershire in command at the top of the Midlands Division, while Northants are likely to struggle to qualify for the knockout stages after collecting just two wins from their five matches.

Alex Sharratt / Eurosport