Delray Rawlins, the Sussex all rounder, produced a match winning knock to help his team maintain their unblemished record in the Vitality Blast T20 competition.

The Bermudian struck a superb unbeaten 35 from 17 balls in 36 minutes, hitting five fours and a six, to guide Sussex to a three-wicket victory over Gloucestershire at the Bristol County Ground yesterday.

“Delray Rawlins struck the ball really well, especially on a pitch which was not the best,” Luke Wright, the Sussex captain, said.

The visitors required seven off the final over after Gloucestershire incurred a six-run penalty for a slow overrate and middle order bat Rawlins was equal to the task, dispatching Ryan Higgins’s full toss to the boundary through the on side to secure his team’s victory with two balls to spare.

“We are always reminded about the rules regarding time before every game and you could see that the clock had just gone over the deadline,” Wright added. “But we might have won anyway, even without the help of the six penalty runs.”

David Wiese (37), captain Wright (24) and wicketkeeper Alex Carey (22) were the remaining batsman in double figures in Sussex’s total of 163 for seven in 19.4 overs replying to Gloucestershire’s 159 for six.

England seamer Oliver Robinson was Sussex’s best bowler, claiming two for 34 with the new ball, while team-mate Danny Briggs became the leading wicket taker in the history of English domestic T20 cricket after dismissing Gloucestershire wicketkeeper James Bracey with his left arm spin.

Ian Cockbain led the Gloucestershire batting with an unbeaten 61 from 49 balls while Bracey added 30 and Benny Howell 28 after the hosts were sent in.

David Payne was the pick of the home team’s bowling after taking three for 35 with the new ball.

Sussex remain unbeaten in this year’s tournament and are two points behind leaders Kent who have played a game more.

“I thought our performance in the field was average, but to win when not playing at our best was pleasing,” Wright said.