SOUTHAMPTON – Exciting Barbadian seamer Jofra Archer snatched career-best Twenty20 figures as he helped fire Sussex to a comfortable victory over Hampshire, in the English T20 Blast here Thursday.
Playing at the Ageas Bowl in the South Group, the 22-year-old right-armer claimed four for 18 in a brilliant four-over spell, to restrict the hosts to 126 for nine off their 20 overs.
In reply, Sussex eased to their target with 16 balls remaining, earning their first victory in four games while ending Hampshire’s unbeaten streak.
Batting first, Hampshire were powered by Tom Alsop who top-scored with 64 from 50 deliveries with five fours and two sixes but he was the only one to pass 15 and one of only three players in double figures.
Archer struck early, prising out captain and opener James Vince (3) and Sean Ervine (2) cheaply as Hampshire slumped to 30 for two in the fifth over.
Alsop then joined with Lewis McManus (12) to add 48 for the fifth wicket and rebuild the innings before Man-of-the-Match Archer returned to help engineer yet another decline.
In reply, Sussex were guided by Ben Brown who struck 42 while Chris Nash got 32 and Laurie Evans, an unbeaten 24.
Former Barbados and West Indies speedster, Fidel Edwards, went wicket-less in three overs which leaked 29 runs. (CMC)
