Cricket

Sussex emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against Leicestershire at Hove, securing an 18-run victory despite a record-breaking performance from Leicestershire's Louis Kimber.Kimber, batting at number eight, produced an astonishing innings, scoring 243 runs off just 127 balls. His innings included 20 fours and 21 sixes, breaking Ben Stokes' Championship record of 17 sixes set in 2022. Kimber's onslaught included a remarkable 43-run over off England seamer Ollie Robinson, the highest number of runs scored in an over in the County Championship since 1998.Despite Kimber's heroics, Sussex's bowlers managed to restrict Leicestershire to 445 in their second innings, with Chris Coles and Jack Carson claiming three wickets each. Sussex had earlier declared their second innings on 296 for 6, with Tom Alsop scoring an unbeaten 81 and Jack Hunt contributing 65.Kimber's innings was a testament to his power and timing, as he cut, pulled, and drove the Sussex attack with ease. He offered a difficult chance on 17 to Alsop at slip, but the ball burst through his hands. Carson nearly held on to a ball struck with ferocious power over deep mid-wicket, but otherwise, Sussex's bowlers had little answer to Kimber's onslaught.Kimber's record-breaking innings was met with warm congratulations from both Sussex and Leicestershire players, as well as a standing ovation from the crowd. It was the third time in three years that a Leicestershire batter had scored a double hundred in this fixture.Despite Kimber's heroics, Sussex held on for a narrow victory, strengthening their position at the top of the second division. The match showcased the thrilling nature of the County Championship, with both teams producing memorable performances.

Ollie Robinson Concedes Record-Breaking 43 Runs in an Over in County ChampionshipOllie Robinson, the England fast bowler, etched his name into the history books on Wednesday when he conceded an astonishing 43 runs in a single over during a County Championship match between Sussex and Leicestershire.The incident occurred in the 59th over of Leicestershire's second innings, with the visitors chasing a daunting target of 464 runs. Louis Kimber, Leicestershire's number eight batter, was at the crease and had already reached his half-century.Robinson's over was a nightmare from the start. Kimber smashed two sixes and six boundaries, while Robinson overstepped three times, resulting in a two-run penalty for each no ball. The nine-ball over proved to be the most expensive in the 134-year history of the County Championship.Kimber reached his century with a boundary off Robinson's final delivery. Even when Robinson changed his angle by coming around the wicket, the batter remained unstoppable.Kimber's record-breaking innings came just two days after Shoaib Bashir had conceded 38 runs in an over during a county match between Surrey and Worcestershire. However, Robinson's feat has now eclipsed Bashir's record.Remarkably, Kimber was not even at the crease when the day's play began. He went into lunch unbeaten on 191 off just 92 deliveries, with Leicestershire requiring another 89 runs to secure victory.Robinson's record-breaking over is a testament to the unpredictable nature of cricket. Even the best bowlers can have off days, and when they do, the consequences can be severe.