Nottinghamshire celebrated one of the biggest victories of their County Championship season when they beat Sussex by nine wickets at Trent Bridge. That victory, on the third day of the match, capped a dominant display by Nottinghamshire over the course of that match.
Prior to play on the final day, Nottinghamshire already had a 64-run advantage. They had only 148 more runs to win the game. The players threw themselves at the challenge, flaying their way to a target of 270 in 25.5 overs. From hereon Haseen Hameed played the most crucial of roles – scoring 85 runs including the winning run! Engulfed in an unsparing barrage, Duckett thankfully rescued the situation and completed his half-century without any blemish.
Sussex were bowled out for 278 in their second innings, which set the target for Nottinghamshire to chase. The bowling attack from Nottinghamshire was formidable. Josh Tongue took five wickets for 44 runs, while Brett Hutton claimed four for 72. Farhan Ahmed was on a roll with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 54 runs, showcasing Nottinghamshire’s bolstering bowling arsenal even more.
Fergus O’Neill had an outstanding effect being the pick of the bowlers taking three for 74 runs. That performance was in what would become his last game for the county. His impact on the side over the years was recognized as he prepares to move on from Nottinghamshire cricket.
The match started on a low note for the team, with Ben Slater dismissed first ball on the day, caught at deep square leg in his fourth over. Even after this misfortune, Hameed and Duckett were soon back in charge of the innings. Hameed brought up his half-century with an impressive sprint, reaching the milestone off only 71 balls. In the other direction, Duckett’s supreme batting just never let Nottinghamshire waver from their merry path to their target.
Notts rejoiced in a vital success over Sussex, their second campaign success to date. This victory earned them 21 precious points towards their County Championship table. The team now look forward to the home game against Hampshire on Tuesday 9th May. They’ll be making a lineup change to their roster. Mohammad Abbas is likely to take Fergus O’Neill’s place in the squad, adding some youthful exuberance to the group.
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