Xplorich
NEW DELHI: Six balls, six sixes, pure mayhem. Six maximums from six deliveries is one of the rarest sights in cricket. Hampshire batter Toby Albert produced exactly that stunning sequence during the One-Day Cup clash against Sussex in Hove on Sunday, turning the game on its head with a breathtaking display of power-hitting.Albert’s six sixes came across two overs and helped Hampshire post a massive 383-9. He smashed 86 off just 37 balls as Hampshire went on to beat Sussex by 51 runs.It was Hampshire’s second-highest List A total, behind their 396-5 against Kent in Beckenham in 2022. The 383 also equalled the highest team total in the 2026 One-Day Cup so far, with Lancashire having scored 389-4 against Leicestershire.Hampshire eventually secured their fourth win of the season after beating Sussex by 51 runs.
Albert’s six-sixes burst
Albert came to the crease with around 15 overs left and quickly changed the pace of the innings.The remarkable sequence began with the last two balls of the 43rd over, bowled by Nantes Oosthuizen. The two sixes took Albert to his fifty from only 26 balls. He then took on Ollie Kirtley and smashed four more sixes in a row to complete six maximums from six consecutive deliveries.Albert ended his innings with 86 off just 37 balls. His 26-ball fifty was also the fastest 50-plus score in this year’s One-Day Cup.
Mayes, Orr provide the platform
Hampshire were already in a strong position before Albert launched his attack.Ben Mayes marked his first appearance of the season with a 109 off 115 balls, registering his maiden List A century. His opening partner Ali Orr also scored a hundred, making 105 off 100 balls. The pair put on 225 runs in 35 overs before Albert came in at No. 3 and took the scoring rate even higher.Sussex unable to chase 384Sussex suffered an early setback in their chase after Tom Haines and Oli Carter were dismissed cheaply. Charlie Tear kept the hosts in the contest with a 111 off 94 balls. Jack Leaning and Danial Ibrahim also contributed half-centuries.But Sussex were eventually bowled out for 332, giving Hampshire a 51-run victory. It was Sussex’s sixth defeat in seven matches this season.
Albert continues impressive form
Albert has scored 221 runs from three matches in the tournament, including two fifties. His best score so far is 89, which came in Hampshire’s defeat against Durham in Southampton.Across his List A career, the right-hander has scored 962 runs in 26 innings at an average of 43.72, with seven half-centuries.Hampshire will face Derbyshire in Southampton on August 11. A victory will confirm their place in the quarter-finals.
