Sussex, the struggling team at the bottom of Group B, managed to uphold their impressive eight-year unbeaten List A record against Surrey in an enthralling match at Hove. The Sussex Sharks finally secured their first win of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup season after defeating Surrey by six wickets, much to the delight of their loyal fans.
Despite their poor form in the competition so far, Sussex entered the match with determination, making six changes to their lineup in a bid to turn their fortunes around. Experienced players such as Ollie Robinson, who was in need of match practice, returned to the side with a crucial championship fixture against Yorkshire on the horizon.
The turning point of the match came when Tom Haines and Tom Alsop put on a superb second wicket partnership of 153 runs in 32 overs, propelling Sussex towards victory. Haines’s gritty innings of 79 and Alsop’s unbeaten century of 108 ensured that Sussex chased down the target with ease, despite a few hiccups along the way.
Speaking about the match, a jubilant Alsop remarked, “It feels great to contribute to the team’s success with a century. We needed this win badly and I’m glad we were able to deliver.”
On the other hand, Surrey’s batting lineup faltered after a promising start, with Ben Geddes and Josh Blake unable to convert their good starts into big scores. Sussex spinners Archie Lenham and Jack Carson tightened the noose around Surrey’s batsmen, leading to a collapse in the latter stages of their innings.
Surrey’s captain, John Simpson, lamented the team’s batting collapse, stating, “We were well placed at one stage to post a big total, but we lost our way in the middle overs. Credit to Sussex bowlers for keeping the pressure on us.”
The match witnessed some impressive individual performances, with young spinner Yousef Majid catching the eye with his economical spell for Sussex. However, it was Sussex’s all-round effort that ultimately proved decisive in securing the crucial victory.
As the dust settled on a thrilling encounter at Hove, Sussex celebrated their first win of the season, while Surrey contemplated yet another defeat at the hands of their rivals. With the championship fixture against Yorkshire looming large, Sussex will be hoping to build on this win and climb up the Group B standings in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
