Surrey’s Ollie Sykes Blasts 44 off 18 as Sussex Suffer Defeat

Surrey moved to the top of the Vitality Blast South Group following a dominant 48-run win over Sussex Sharks at the Kia Oval.

Batting first, Surrey posted a formidable 210 for six, thanks to late fireworks from 20-year-old Ollie Sykes, who hammered 44 off just 18 balls. The left-hander smashed three sixes in an over off James Coles and helped add 66 runs in the final four overs. Dom Sibley (45), Will Jacks (43), and Sam Curran (38) also made valuable contributions.

Despite losing Jason Roy for a second-ball duck, Surrey’s top and middle order steadied the innings. Jacks and Sibley put on 52 inside the first five overs before Jacks was caught in the deep. Roy fell in the next over, but Sibley and Curran shared a 61-run stand for the third wicket. Sussex briefly fought back with three wickets in 15 balls, but Sykes' late assault, including a rapid 50-run partnership with Tom Curran, swung momentum firmly back Surrey’s way.

In reply, Sussex, missing key players including Harrison Ward and Tom Alsop, struggled from the outset. Reece Topley struck twice in the powerplay to leave them reeling at 14 for three, while Tom Curran also chipped in early. Debutant George Thomas was bowled by Topley, and Dan Hughes chopped onto his stumps.

Although Tom Clark (45) and skipper John Simpson (21) put together a brisk 62-run stand, spinner Mitchell Santner (3 for 26) dismantled the middle order. Topley returned to finish with 3 for 34, while Chris Jordan bowled Danny Lamb (49) in the final over to end the innings at 162.

“To get this opportunity and then to take it like I did, very happy,” Sykes.