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Abu Dhabi Knight Riders' batter Michael Pepper smashed an unbeaten 120 for Essex in the run chase of 208 against Tymal Mills-led Sussex in the ongoing T20 Blast 2024. At County Ground, Hove, Pepper went ballistic as he smashed nine fours and as many sixes in his unbeaten 120 to help Essex chase down the target of 208 with five wickets in hand and nine balls to spare. This is Pepper’s second century in the T20 Blast 2024.
Hughes, Clark score big
Earlier, Essex captain Simon Harmer won the toss and opted to bowl first. Daniel Hughes and Harrison Ward got Sussex off to a good start before Shane Snater broke the partnership. Ward departed for a 12-ball 15 in the fourth over. Sussex were 54/1 after powerplay overs. Tom Clark and Hughes accelerated in the middle overs. Hughes reached his half-century from just 25 balls in the 10th over.
The partnership was broken by Matthew Crtichley in the 15th over, Hughes was out stumped for a 43-ball 81 which was laced with eight fours and five sixes. Clark and Alsop carried forward the momentum in the slog overs. Tom Alsop contributed with a 14-ball 27 cameo. On the other end, Clark remained unbeaten for 53-ball 72 and helped Sussex post 207/2.
Pepper fires amidst collapse
Essex's run chase did not get off to an ideal start. Adam Rossington lost his wicket to Ollie Robinson. Pepper announced his arrival with two fours and a six off James Coles in the second over. Mills introduced himself into the attack and knocked over Dean Elgar. Pepper kept up with the required run rate despite Robin Das and Paul Walter falling to Robinson in the sixth over. Essex were 61/4 after powerplay overs. Pepper reached his fifty from just 21 balls in the ninth over. Nathan McAndrew returned to bowl and dismissed Crtichley for a run-a-ball 13 in the 10th over.
Pepper, Allison finish run chase early
Pepper found his match in Charlie Allison. In the 12th over, Allison hit Jack Carson for three fours and a six to bring down the required run rate. Pepper cleared the fence with ease and reached his century with a maximum in the 16th over. He took 47 balls to reach three figures. In the end, it was a one-sided contest. Pepper finished the run chase with two consecutive fours in the penultimate over. While the 26-year-old Pepper remained unbeaten for 120, Allison scored 44 runs from 26 runs.
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