Surrey finally seal first Bob Willis Trophy win as they chase down 156 to beat Sussex

Burns made 52 to break the back of an awkward chase
PA
Will Macpherson9 September 2020

It took until the last round of the competition, but Surrey finally have a win in the Bob Willis Trophy after they beat a young Sussex side at the Kia Oval.

Surrey had captain Rory Burns, returning from England Test duty, to thank after he made 52 from 71 balls to break the back of an awkward chase of 156 on a turning track.

On Monday, Burns had made a swift century to set up Surrey’s 388, which still saw them trail by 27 on first innings. But their spin wins Dan Moriarty (six for 70) and Amar Virdi (four for 40) bowled Sussex out for 128 to give Surrey hope of victory on the final day.

Sussex had a young spin attack on a pitch turning plenty but Surrey took on the chase in positive fashion.

Jack Carson (19) dismissed Scott Borthwick and Delray Rawlins (22) had Hashim Amla caught at short leg before lunch, but not before both men had landed some lusty blows.

Jamie Smith joined Burns to share 64, before both men fell in a single over from James Coles, who at 16 is Sussex’s youngest ever player, after lunch. Smith, who had hit two handsome sixes down the ground, was bowled, while Burns was stumped.

Surrey still needed 36 to win, but Ben Foakes and Will Jacks came together to knock the runs off. Foakes finished the job with a six to take Surrey to victory by six wickets.

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