Trott struck 108 as the Bears piled up 271 for four from their 40 overs - a total that, batting under lights, the visitors did brilliantly to threaten before falling just short at 266-5.

Northamptonshire have lost all their first three Pro40 games, and their promotion hopes are already in tatters.

Back-to-back wins have put Warwickshire right back in contention.

A record partnership of 168 in 27 overs between Trott and Jim Troughton underpinned the Bears' innings.

Northamptonshire openers Stephen Peters and Niall O'Brien posted 50 in 10 overs - but a short rain break then disrupted their rhythm.

O'Brien was bowled by a Carter yorker, and Peters (53) grew frustrated against the spinners and lifted Ant Botha to long-off.

Rob White (62) then kept his side in the hunt, and Rikki Wessels thrashed four sixes in a 31-ball 54 to leave Northamptonshire needing 30 from the last two overs.

As nerves frayed, Warwickshire dropped four skiers in seven balls - but 18 required from the last over, delivered by Carter, proved just too much.