Delray Rawlins scored a half-century in a losing cause for Sussex against Gloucestershire in the Vitality Blast T20 at Ist Central County Ground in Hove today.

The 20-year-old hit 69 runs at No 4 and claimed two wickets with his slow left-arm.

However, it was not enough as the visiting side won by the three wickets.

Rawlins punished the visiting side for putting him down in the covers early in his innings as he went on to stroke 69 from 41 balls, which included eight fours and two sixes.

He took just 29 balls to reach his half-century and along with Luke Wright, the Sussex captain, added 108 runs for the third wicket as the home side posted 163 for eight after being put in to bat.

Rawlins also shone with the ball as he claimed two for 19 before Gloucestershire, who replied with 168 for seven, ultimately secured victory with a six off of the last ball of the match.

“I felt good batting and it’s quite nice to get a chance with the ball and do well, but it was a big disappointment with the loss,” Rawlins said. “I’d rather the boys win and myself not do so well, but that’s how it goes.

“It was a pretty entertaining game of cricket. But we feel like we are in a really good position going into the quarter-final next week. Everyone is ticking and the boys are going well.”

Wright hailed Rawlins’s superb all-round display.

“Delray Rawlins played well; a real man-of-the-match performance,” Wright said.

“I’ve been desperate to get him a bowl and I thought he bowled really well and dragged us back into the game in those middle overs.”

Sussex finished top of the South Group and will host Worcestershire in the quarter-finals. They will take place from September 4 to 7.