In a stunning display of Cricket prowess, Nottinghamshire Outlaws secured a resounding victory over Sussex Sharks with 50 balls to spare, erasing the memory of their opening loss in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
Ben Slater and Haseeb Hameed emerged as the heroes of the day, both notching unbeaten centuries to lead Nottinghamshire to a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Sussex. Slater, a stalwart opener with a List A batting average exceeding 53, showcased his talent by scoring 107 runs, while skipper Hameed complemented his performance with a brilliant 101 not out. Their partnership of 209 runs for the third-wicket set a county List A record and proved to be the turning point in the match.
Despite Fynn Hudson-Prentice’s valiant effort of 90 runs from 109 balls, Sussex faltered and were bowled out for 216 in the 48th over. The Outlaws’ seamers, Luke Fletcher (three for 35) and Toby Pettman (three for 44), led the charge in dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup. The return of Brett Hutton, who claimed one wicket after recovering from an Achilles injury, bolstered Nottinghamshire’s bowling attack.
Although the Outlaws faced an early setback, losing two wickets at the start of their chase, Slater and Hameed remained composed and steered their team to victory. With a required run rate of just 4.34 runs per over, the duo navigated the chase with precision, hitting boundaries and rotating the strike effectively. Slater notched his seventh List A century with finesse, while Hameed rediscovered his form with a well-compiled hundred.
As Nottinghamshire cruised towards the target, Sussex struggled to make further breakthroughs. A frustrated Sussex side saw their hopes dwindle as Slater and Hameed controlled the proceedings, ultimately guiding their team to a convincing win.
The match also witnessed impressive fielding from Nottinghamshire, with a brilliant relay run-out involving Ben Slater, Lyndon James, and Tom Moores dismissing Sussex’s Bertie Foreman. With Nottinghamshire’s comprehensive victory, they left an indelible mark on the tournament and signaled their intent to dominate in the upcoming fixtures.
