Hat-trick hero Dwayne Smith strengthened Sussex’s bid for a one-day double then admitted: “I can hardly believe it.”

The Sharks all-rounder took four wickets in an over, including Bilal Shafayat, Kevin O’Brien and Jake Ball with successive deliveries, as his side thrashed Nottinghamshire Outlaws by 152 runs at Hove last night to go three points clear at the top of the Pro40 League.

Smith finished with 6-29, the best one-day figures of his career, to ensure that Sussex’s bid to retain their title will go to the last game of the season.

He said: “I can hardly believe that – I just backed myself and luckily for me it came off.

“I remember taking a hat-trick when I was at school but four wickets in an over? I don’t think I’ve ever done that!”

Sussex skipper Mike Yardy hailed an “exceptional performance” by the 26-year-old from Barbados.

He said: “He’s entertained people and improved so much since he’s been here. It was an exceptional performance.”

Yasir Arafat got a hat-trick for Sharks in this competition against Gloucestershire last month.

Sussex have confirmed that Matt Prior will be rested for next month’s Champions League in India because of his hectic England commitments. Find out why Sussex fear the worst for Dwayne Smith's future in The Argus tomorrow