Rossouw Impresses As Hampshire Secure Narrow Friendly Victory Over Sussex Sharks

An excellent half-century from Rilee Rossouw (79) in his first appearance for Hampshire, helped guide his side to a one-wicket win over Sussex Sharks in their 50-over friendly fixture at Hove on Thursday.

Rossouw looked in excellent touch as he and Lewis McManus (43*) guided Hampshire to victory with 12 balls to spare, after an efficient performance from the Hants bowling unit had earlier restricted the hosts to 231-9 from their allotted overs.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sussex looked in early trouble as Brad Wheal claimed two early scalps, whilst a wicket apiece for Ryan Stevenson and Asher Hart reduced the home-side to 97-4 after 25 overs.

Batsman Harry Finch (58) helped steady the ship for Sussex but wickets continued to fall, with Stevenson and Hart each picking up another wicket, alongside two wickets for seamer Ian Holland, to restrict Sussex to below 240.

Hampshire began their innings brightly in reply, with Rossouw and Liam Dawson (29) steering their side to 142-3 with 22 overs still remaining.

The loss of four wickets for 20 runs ensured Sussex remained with an outside chance of victory, but an important knock from McManus, including a match-sealing maximum over mid-wicket, ensured Hampshire crept safely to their target with two overs to spare.