Dawid Malan and Nick Gubbins both made excellent hundreds as Middlesex beat Sussex by three runs in a thriller at Hove to maintain their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Royal London Cup.

Gubbins scored 147, his maiden List A century, and Malan hit 131, his fifth one-day hundred as Middlesex piled up 367-6, their highest ever one-day total.

Two rain delays interrupted Sussex’s progress and left them needing 309 off 40 overs at nearly eight run an over but they were kept in the hunt by a superb 112 from Australian George Bailey, his first sizeable contribution since he joined Sussex in June to play one-day cricket.

Bailey went from 50 to his century in just 27 deliveries and was on strike when Sussex started the final over needing 17. Bailey took eight off the first three balls from James Harris but was then run out turning for a second by Andrew Balbirnie’s throw from deep square leg, having faced 76 balls and hit nine fours and three sixes.

The task of hitting the last ball for six to win proved beyond last man Chris Liddle as Sussex finished on 305-9.

It was a commendable effort by the home side, and in particular Bailey, but a fourth defeat in Group B has ended their chances of qualifying.