Friends Life T20, Bristol
Sussex Sharks 98-3 beat Gloucestershire Gladiators 97-9 by 7 wickets
By Jack Bradshaw
Sussex Sharks romped to victory over Gloucestershire Gladiators in a rain-affected game at Bristol.
After the game was reduced to 17 overs per side, the Sharks’ decision to bowl was quickly vindicated as the hosts struggled to 97-9 with Monty Panesar starring with the ball.
Spinners Panesar (3-22) and skipper Michael Yardy (2-22) controlled the game to leave the Gladiators languishing.
Rana Naved and Wayne Parnell were also in the wickets as the Gloucestershire batsman had no answer to the visitors’ bowling attack.
Despite facing Test cricket’s leading wicket taker Muttiah Muralitharan, the result was never in doubt as Sussex cruised to victory with 15 deliveries to spare.
Gloucestershire struck twice early on, but the in-form Murray Goodwin (27) and Lou Vincent (31*) eased the visitors to their second T20 win in as many games.
And Sussex are now unbeaten in 14 games in all competitions, a run which stretches back to Friday 8 April.
