Toby Albert hits six sixes as Hampshire defeat Sussex Sharks in Metro Bank One-Day Cup 2026
Sussex: In an extraordinary display of power-hitting, Hampshire's Toby Albert struck six sixes from six consecutive deliveries, propelling his team to a formidable 383 for 9 in their Metro Bank One-Day Cup clash against Sussex Sharks. The dominant performance consigned the struggling Sussex side to their sixth defeat in seven matches, as they fell 51 runs short, bowled out for 332.
Albert's brutal assault paid tribute to the legendary feat of Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed away last month. However, whilst Sobers famously hit his six sixes off a single Malcolm Nash over, Albert’s onslaught was spread across two overs. He dismantled Nantes Oosthuizen for two maximums at the end of one over; after Jake Lehmann faced the first two deliveries of the next over, Albert regained the strike to launch Ollie Kirtley for four consecutive sixes. Albert finished with an explosive 86 off just 37 balls, featuring five fours and eight sixes.
Hampshire’s commanding innings was initially anchored by former Sussex batsman Ali Orr and 18-year-old Ben Mayes. The opening pair shared a massive 225-run partnership. Mayes secured his maiden List A century, scoring 109 from 115 balls, whilst Orr delivered a run-a-ball 105—his fifth List A hundred. A thumping 20-run cameo off five balls by Eddie Jack bolstered the total to 383 for 9, matching the highest score in the competition this season and marking Hampshire's second-highest score in List A history.
In reply, Sussex fought bravely. Following early setbacks, Charlie Tear orchestrated a sublime fightback with a brilliant 111 off 94 deliveries. Jack Leaning (92) and Dan Ibrahim (55) provided stout resistance to keep the Sharks in the hunt. However, the record 384-run target proved insurmountable. Eddie Jack followed up his batting cameo with a stellar bowling effort, taking four wickets for 58 runs. Sussex were ultimately dismissed for 332 in the 49th over, cementing a 51-run victory for Hampshire.