Delray Rawlins says playing at the iconic “home of cricket” on his debut in the Vitality Blast Twenty20 was a “surreal” experience he will cherish for ever.

The Sussex Sharks all-rounder made his debut in the competition at the hallowed Lord’s ground in his team’s 12-run triumph over Middlesex last Thursday.

“It was a bit surreal really, walking through the Long Room and back towards the pavilion as you see that iconic picture so much,” Rawlins told The Royal Gazette. “Playing at Lord’s is a feeling that you can’t really describe. But walking across the ground and inside the pavilion was just a very nice feeling.”

The Bermudian played an integral role in his team’s victory in the South Group match as he belted 49 from 35 with three sixes and a four batting at No 4.

“Really happy to contribute to an important win for the boys,” Rawlins said of his swashbuckling innings. “I was just pleased to get a chance and really happy to have done well for myself and for the lads.”

While delighted to have played a significant part in his team’s triumph over Middlesex, Rawlins admits falling just shy of a half-century was a disappointment.

“You are always disappointed to miss out on a milestone,” he said. “However, I was just really happy to contribute to the team and getting a win.”

The Sussex Sharks came crashing back to earth after suffering a three-wicket home defeat against Somerset at The 1st Central County Ground on Sunday, with Rawlins smashing 18 from 14 balls before he was stumped charging the leg spin of Max Waller.

Rawlins and his team-mates are presently sixth in the South Division standings, one point adrift of the fourth and final qualifying spot for the knockout stage of the professional T20 competition.

“The lads are going well,” Rawlins said. “I feel like we are in a very nice position to kick on and get inside the top four for the qualifying rounds.”