One-Day Cup: Alex Hales hits 116 as Nottinghamshire beat Sussex

Alex Hales' 116 was his fifth century in one-day cricket

Opener Alex Hales struck a fine century as Nottinghamshire beat Sussex by 29 runs in the One-Day Cup at Horsham.

The 25-year-old made 116, including three sixes, as he shared an opening stand of 139 with Michael Lumb (77).

Steven Mullaney also blasted 40 as Notts posted 312-8 in their 50 overs.

Sussex captain, Ed Joyce, hit 59 but Mullaney ripped through the middle-order with 4-33 as the hosts fell short on 283-8 despite a rapid 63 not out from Steffan Piolet at the death.

When Hales' 115-ball knock was ended by Piolet and James Franklin fell three balls later, the visitors were left wobbling on 235-6 and looked set for a smaller total.

But all-rounder Mullaney had other ideas as he smashed three fours and three sixes with his runs coming off just 20 balls.

While Joyce was at the crease, Sussex appeared to be in with a chance of chasing down the huge target, but once he was dismissed by Samit Patel the innings stuttered to 156-5 as Mullaney removed Chris Nash and Ben Brown.

After Matt Machan was caught by Patel off Mullaney for 43, the game seemed beyond Sussex who needed 102 to win off 47 balls, but Piolet kept them fighting until the end as he smashed seven fours and one six in his 48-ball innings.

However, with the run rate increasing, Sussex were left requiring 34 off the final over which Jake Ball managed to restrict to just four runs, including the wicket of Chris Liddle.