Sussex's NatWest Trophy dream was yesterday shattered at speed by Allan Donald's desire to keep an appointment with South African President Nelson Mandela.
Fast bowler Donald claimed five for 37 to wrap up Warwickshire's emphatic 106-run victory before flying to Pretoria where he will be presented with the prestigious Presidential Sports Award Gold Medal, given to outstanding South African sportsmen, by Mandela today.
His commitment to winning the game was never in doubt from the moment he sent Bill Athey's leg stump flying in the fifth over of the morning, ending the innings of perhaps Sussex's most dogged batsmen.
Despite a defiant 79 from 113 deliveries by Mark Newell, Sussex were dismissed for 237 with 6.5 overs remaining.
NatWest Trophy - Semi Final Edgbaston Warwickshire 342-3 Innings (D L Hemp 111 no, N M K Smith 72, D P Ostler 58, A J Moles 56) v Sussex 237 (M Newell 79, A A Donald 5-37). Warwickshire beat Sussex by 105 runs.
qRobert Croft and Mark Ilott have each been fined #1,000 by their counties after their bust-up during the NatWest Trophy semi-final between Essex and Glamorgan on Tuesday evening.
Millions of television viewers saw the pair clash as tensions boiled over. They were involved in an angry mid-pitch exchange, which ended with the pair pushing each other.
The pair made up the next day and apologised for their behaviour, but their counties have still decided to discipline both players.
qRicky Ponting hit an unbeaten 117 as Australia made 303 for seven from their 50 overs against Ireland at Eglington yesterday. Brendon Julian was a late cry-off with a dislocated wrist and his future participation on the tour will be decided back in London tomorrow. Ireland's best bowler Paul McCrum also had to pull out with a back injury.
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