Rashid Khan has backed a big-scoring team-mate for a breakthrough in the world’s big Twenty20 leagues.

The Afghanistan star believes Laurie Evans is worth a look for teams from the Big Bash in Australia or the Indian Premier League.

Evans is six short of 500 Vitality Blast runs for the season as his side go to Gloucestershire tonight (6.30pm) In the South Group he is behind only Surrey opener Aaron Finch, who has now left the competition.

Evans, who has five scores of 50 or more in nine innings and averages 90.8, has been key in taking Sharks to within two wins of a quarter-final place.

They must win at Bristol to set up a potentially dramatic last night when Middlesex visit Hove tomorrow.

Khan told his 214,000 Twitter followers: “Since playing for Sussex, I became a fan of Laurie Evans’ consistent great performances in every game. Would highly recommend him for T20 leagues. He has special talent and remarkable skills. Absolutely pleasure watching him.”

Sussex T20 skipper Luke Wright is again ruled out by a back problem so coach Jason Gillespie names the same 14-man squad.

Tickets last night remained on sale for the Middlesex clash, which starts at 6.30pm.