Delray Rawlins hit the winning six as Sussex crushed Essex by seven wickets at the Cloudfm County Ground in Chelmsford last night and move to the top of South Group.

Rawlins came in to join captain Luke Wright with only six runs needed for a third straight victory at the start of the Vitality Blast.

The left-hander smashed the second ball he faced from left-arm spinner Aron Njjjar over the boundary to end the game with six overs to spare after Essex were restricted to an unchallenging 128 for eight on being inserted.

Michael Pepper was the top bat for Essex with 38 while opener Will Buttleman added 26. Opener George Garton led the Sussex bowling with three for 31 from his four overs while first-change Tyman Mills claimed two for 31 from four as Essex slumped from 62 for three after 9.2 overs to 110 for seven after 18.2 overs

Sussex were never bothered in their run chase, even after Essex claimed two wickets in the space of nine runs just before the visiting side reached their target.

Wright, playing his first match in the competition after injury, was the top bat with 75 not out from 44 balls. The former England one-day player, who hit eight fours and three sixes, added 54 for the first wicket with Phil Salt (13).

He then put on 60 with overseas player Travis Head, who scored 27 in a third straight successful run chase for Sussex.

Sussex meet Surrey, the only other unbeaten side in the group whom they lead on net run-rate, in their next Vitality Blast match tomorrow at the Kia Oval.