Jofra Archer made a triumphant return to county cricket, leading Sussex Sharks to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Lancashire Lightning at Hove, securing their place in the T20 Blast Finals Day.
Archer, back in Sussex colours after three years, took 2-20, while teammates Ollie Robinson, James Coles, and Brad Currie each claimed two wickets, restricting Lancashire to a meagre total of 114 in just 15.3 overs.
Chasing an easy target of 115, Sussex’s opener Daniel Hughes smashed 35 off 22 balls, helping the hosts cruise to victory with 35 balls left and only two wickets down.
The focus was largely on Archer’s return after his international commitments and injuries, but it was Robinson who set the tone by dismissing England's Phil Salt with the very first ball. Lancashire found themselves struggling at 35-3 before Archer’s entry, as Currie removed both Matty Hurst and ex-Sussex player Luke Wells within four balls.
Despite Keaton Jennings’ brief resistance with a 20-ball 37, Robinson sent him packing, triggering a collapse. Lancashire lost five wickets for just 14 runs, sinking to 73-8. Liam Livingstone fought back with a valiant 43, including three sixes, but was run out by Robinson, capping off a dismal batting display by the visitors.
In pursuit of the modest target, Sussex openers were given the freedom to attack. Harrison Ward smashed six boundaries in his 18-ball 27 before Hughes continued the charge. Leading run-scorer Hughes took his season tally to 595 before Livingstone bowled him. Despite the slight dip in tempo, Tom Clark (24 not out) and Coles (27 not out) comfortably guided Sussex to victory, securing their sixth trip to Finals Day.
Sussex now joins Surrey for the semi-finals at Edgbaston on 14 September, leaving North Group teams without representation in back-to-back Finals Days.