Aneesh Kapil's brilliant century sees Sussex chase mammoth total against Middlesex

A sublime fourth-innings century from trialist Aneesh Kapil helped Sussex chase down a big total to record a three-wicket victory over Middlesex in the Second XI Championship at Blackstone Academy Ground, sponsored by Hurstpierpoint College on Friday.

The win was Sussex’s first in the competition this season.

After being asked to field on Wednesday, Sussex toiled as a strong Middlesex side racked up 438-8 declared. George Scott made 221, whilst there were fifties for Martin Anderson and Tom Lace.

Abi Sakande took 4-103, while there were two wickets for Navin Patel and one each for Will Sheffield and Delray Rawlins.

In reply, Will Beer made 106 and received support from Rawlins (59) and Kapil (87) as Sussex reached 330-7 against a Middlesex attack including current test bowler Tim Murtagh and pacy youngster Tom Barber.

Delray Rawlins took five wickets with his left arm spin as Middlesex declared their second innings on 197-7 to set Sussex a daunting target of 306 for victory.

That looked a long way off at 82-4, but Kapil combined with George Garton, Tom Gordon, Matt Stiddard and Kishen Velani to see Sussex home.

The former Worcestershire and Surrey player finished unbeaten on 110.