In a recent clash during the One-Day Cup on August 6, Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara demonstrated his mettle in the white-ball format as he smashed a century playing for Sussex. The match against Northamptonshire witnessed Pujara’s exceptional performance, despite an early hiccup for Sussex.
Tom Alsop and the team’s skipper, Tom Haines, departed early in the innings, setting the stage for Pujara to showcase his resilience. The 35-year-old cricketer exhibited a gritty innings, amassing an unbeaten 106 runs off 119 balls. His calculated batting approach proved to be the cornerstone of Sussex’s innings, which was forced to be shortened due to rain. Although Pujara’s appearances in India’s white-ball squad have been sporadic, his composed performance enabled Sussex to post a total of 240 runs in 45 overs.
Pujara’s century comprised four fours and two sixes, an impressive feat achieved at a commendable strike rate of 89.07. This milestone marked his 15th century in List-A cricket, where he has accumulated a total of 5383 runs across 119 matches. His steadfast presence at the crease and ability to build an innings have consistently proved valuable, adding depth to Sussex’s batting lineup.
Despite Pujara’s commendable contribution, Sussex fell short of victory. Prithvi Shaw, another notable name in the team, started strongly with 26 runs off 17 balls, showcasing his aggressive intent. However, Bradley Currie’s intervention cut short Shaw’s innings, temporarily shifting the balance in Sussex’s favor.
Northamptonshire’s lower middle order displayed a determined fightback, turning the tide of the match. Sam Whiteman contributed 30 runs, while skipper Lewis McManus added 36. Tom Taylor’s unbeaten 42* runs provided the finishing touch that ensured Northamptonshire secured a narrow three-wicket victory, with eight balls to spare.
Despite the loss, Sussex remains determined to regain their winning momentum. Their next challenge awaits in the form of a match against Derbyshire on August 9, scheduled to take place at the County Ground in Derby. As they prepare to step onto the field once again, Sussex aims to bounce back with renewed vigor and secure a victory that would put them back on the path to success in the ongoing One-Day Cup.
