Shafayat propped up the innings with a magnificent 104 as Nottinghamshire were dismissed for 241 in their second innings.

Those runs looked even more crucial when Worcestershire, chasing a target of 249, slipped to 40 for four, with the nerve of both sides sure to be put to the test on the final day.

Openers Stephen Peters and Anurag Singh both fell cheaply before a magnificent over by leg-spinner Stuart MacGill gave Nottinghamshire a double boost just before stumps.

Bowling from the Pavilion End at Trent Bridge, he dismissed Ben Smith thanks to a superb diving catch by Guy Welton and trapped Gareth Batty leg before with the next delivery.

Worcestershire's hopes now depend largely on Graeme Hick, who kept his cool to reach 24 not out at the close.

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