Wright's 91 outguns Middlesex

Sussex 161 for 4 (Wright 91) beat Middlesex 140 for 6 by 21 runs
Scorecard

Luke Wright hit 91 as Sussex completed the double over Middlesex in the Friends Life t20 at Hove. Sussex followed up their 11-run win at Lord's last Sunday with an even more comfortable 21-run success at the County Ground.

Wright was the mainstay of their total of 161 for 4 as he hit seven fours and two sixes during his 61-ball innings.

John Simpson and Joe Denly gave Middlesex hope of avoiding a fourth defeat in five matches until spinners Will Beer and Mike Yardy turned the game back in Sussex's favour as the Panthers closed on 140 for 6.

Wright and Chris Nash got Sussex off to a strong start by putting on 40 for the first wicket from 27 balls. Nash fell hitting a ball from Gareth Berg straight in the air to Josh Davey at mid-off for 19 but Wright maintained Sussex's momentum.

Wright brought up his 50 off 36 balls with four fours and one big six down the ground off Ollie Rayner. He hit an even bigger six off Neil Dexter and looked on course for a century until Sussex got bogged down in the final five overs.

Matt Machan struggled to get going and was eventually out for 22 reverse sweeping Dexter to Adam Rossington at short third man. Murray Goodwin also found it hard to score before perishing at long on off Berg in the penultimate over for 18. Scott Styris edged his first ball off Steven Crook for six before Wright was caught off the final ball for 91.

Middlesex made a strong start in reply with Denly hitting 36 off 34 balls after being dropped in the first over by Styris off his own bowling. Denly and Simpson put on 62 for the first wicket off 57 balls before Denly hit a ball from Will Beer straight down the throat of Joe Gatting at deep midwicket.

Simpson followed soon after for 32 when he blasted Mike Yardy for six over midwicket but was out next ball trying the same shot. Steven Crook briefly offered Middlesex hope with a big six off Beer, but when he was bowled by Yardy for 19 their challenge faded.