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Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir delivered a brilliant bowling performance to help Essex defeat Sussex by six wickets in their Vitality Blast 2025 match at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground on Friday.
After winning the toss, Sussex skipper Tymal Mills chose to bat first, but his decision didn’t pay off as his team was bowled out for 145 in 18.2 overs.
John Simpson was the standout batter for Sussex, scoring a quick 52 off 28 balls with four sixes and three fours. Daniel Hughes added a solid 27 from 15 balls, while Danny Lamb chipped in with 19. Tom Alsop managed 13 respectively, but the rest of the batting line-up collapsed, with seven players failing to reach double digits.
Essex’s bowling was led by Amir, who impressed with figures of 3/16 in his three overs. He received good support from Sam Cook, Shane Snater, and Simon Harmer, each of whom took two wickets to ensure Sussex couldn’t post a big total.
In response, Essex chased down the 146-run target comfortably, finishing at 148/4 in just 16.1 overs.
Opener Michael Pepper played a match-winning knock, remaining unbeaten on 87 off 47 balls. His innings included 14 boundaries and two sixes and kept Essex in control throughout the chase. He was well-supported by Luke Benkenstein (25) and Charlie Allison (24).
Though Sussex bowlers tried to fight back, with Tymal Mills picking up 2/31 in four overs and Nathan Andrew and Henry Crocombe claiming a wicket each, Essex crossed the finish line with ease and nearly four overs to spare.
