Sussex coach Mark Robinson hailed an incredible innings by hard-hitting Dwayne Smith which helped keep Sussex Sharks’ Pro40 title challenge firmly on course.

Robinson also had words of praise for Joe Gatting, who was denied what looked a certain century by the rain as Sharks won in Yorkshire.

Chasing the hosts’ impressive 254-2, Sussex were cruising to the finishing line on 230-5 with 8.3 overs left at Scarborough when a halt was called.

The win, officially by a 38-run margin under the Duckworth-Lewis system, looked to be getting away from them when Smith joined Gatting in the middle.

What followed ranks among the most spectacular episodes of Sussex’s season as Smith blasted 58 from only 22 balls with five fours and five sixes to turn the game on its head.

Robinson said: “The target was always a stiff ask but Dwayne’s innings was incredible. He hit 26 off one over by Richard Pyrah and took the target down to something we would expect to reach.

“We had lost wickets and needed a lot of runs but with people like Dwayne Smith in the batting line-up you have always got a chance.”

Smith eventually fell in the gathering gloom but Gatting saw it through, his 99 not out coming off just 90 balls and featuring 13 fours plus three sixes.

Robinson admitted the batsman was a little disappointed to miss out on a maiden List A ton but added: “I know the fact he made a huge contribution to an important victory means a lot ot him.

“He got a 50 in the Friends Provident Trophy in early season but this was a quality innings at the business end of the season.

“We can’t afford any slip-ups now with other teams chasing us hard.

“We certainly knew we were up against it with Yorkshire getting a score which was slightly above par. Give credit to the opposition for that.”

Left-hander Adam Lyth completed his maiden one-day century on his home ground for the hosts.

Lyth and Anthony McGrath enjoyed an unbroken stand of 118 in 13 overs, McGrath driving consecutive balls from James Kirtley into the crowd and Lyth dishing out similar treatment to Mike Yardy. Lyth completed his century off 89 balls with eight fours and three sixes.

Gatting, having started confidently, moved to his 50 out of 117-3 in reply.