HOVE: Pakistan’s wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan and the left-handed opener Ali Orr shone with the bat as the duo powered Sussex to seal a scintillating victory over Derbyshire after an incredible run chase on the final day.
Set to chase 342 on a rain-hit final day, Sussex did not hold back and produced an astounding run chase to seal their first victory since April 2021.
The persistent showers in the morning washed out 14 overs from the day’s play and as a result, prevented Derbyshire from adding some crucial and quick runs into their overnight 341-run lead.
With the action reduced by 14 overs, the Derbyshire captain Billy Godleman decided to declare their innings at the same and put on a commendable 342-run target for Sussex in the last two sessions.
In the run chase, the opener Orr set the tone with his career-best 141 and was magnificently supported by Rizwan and Tom Aslop, who scored 55 and 76* respectively.
Following an unwanted start to the run chase for Sussex as their skipper Tom Haines was trapped in front by Alex Thompson on 20 at a combined score of 41. Orr and Aslop then ticked along and laid the foundation of the astonishing run chase with a 140 runs stand for the second wicket.
The duo appeared solid as they were marching towards the total at a rapid pace before Aslop miscued a drive to mid-off after contributing 55.
The newcomer Rizwan then joined Orr at the crease and made no mistake to adapt to the required condition as the duo further added 93 runs before Orr departed after he was caught on the mid-wicket boundary off Luis Reece, having faced 203 balls and scoring his career-best 141.
Rizwan then had to battle hard with what looked like a hamstring injury and seemed unaffected by it as he kept pushing for the victory and was supported by the cameos from Delray Rawlins and Ollie Carter.
Despite losing quick wickets in the closing minutes, Rizwan and newly-joined Danial Ibrahim steered their side to the victory in the 74th over. Rizwan remained unbeaten with his gritty knock of 76 off 82 balls with the help of 10 boundaries including a six.
It is pertinent to mention here that Rizwan made his last appearance for the Sussex as he will be returning to international duty with Pakistan as the Green Shirts will be on their away assignment in the Test series against Sri Lanka.
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