Sussex Sharks Crush Gloucestershire in Vitality Blast Double

Sussex Sharks secured a resounding 48-run victory over Gloucestershire in a Vitality Blast encounter at the Seat Unique Stadium, completing a double over their South Group rivals.

Dan Hughes and James Coles were the architects of Sussex's triumph, smashing half-centuries to propel their team to an imposing 208 for 6. Hughes, the Australian opener, led the charge with a blistering 65 off 37 deliveries, while Coles contributed a rapid 54 from 33 balls. The duo shared a match-winning 113-run stand for the third wicket, peppering the Gloucestershire bowlers with eight sixes and 22 fours.

Gloucestershire's bowlers struggled to contain the Sussex onslaught, with only Josh Shaw and David Payne escaping severe punishment. Shaw claimed 3 for 27, including the wicket of Hughes, while Payne took 1 for 21.

In reply, Gloucestershire never threatened to chase down the target, despite a valiant effort from Cameron Bancroft. The Australian opener top-scored with 42, but his innings was in vain as the home side fell well short at 160 for 8.

Sussex's disciplined bowling attack, led by Ollie Robinson, Fynn Hudson-Prentice, and Tymal Mills, kept Gloucestershire in check. Robinson conceded just 11 runs in three overs with the new ball, while Hudson-Prentice and Mills each picked up two wickets.

The victory marked Sussex's third in four games, while Gloucestershire suffered their fourth defeat in a row. The Sharks now sit in a strong position in the South Group, while Gloucestershire face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages.

Tags: #SussexSharks, #Gloucestershire, #VitalityBlast, #DanHughes, #JamesColes