Sussex have lost the Vitality Blast final in a dramatic finale to cricket’s longest day.

They went down by five wickets to Worcestershire having looked well set at one stage to defend a modest total of 157-6.

Ben Cox guided Worcestershire home with 46 off 27 balls after the spinners had dragged Sussex back into the contest.

Worcestershire needed 31 off the last three overs but Chris Jordan went for 14 and then, in the 19th, Archer effectively conceded 12 off one ball as he delivered a wild no ball and saw Cox send the free hit for six.

Sussex will still be proud of their efforts in the competition.

Laurie Evans top-scored for Sussex in the final with 52 off 44 balls but they were disappointed with their final total.

Sussex eased into the final by beating Somerset with a bit to spare in their semi.

Luke Wright hit 92 – the highest ever score by an individual player on Finals Day – as they set 202-8 to win by 35 runs.

Worcestershire beat Lancashire in their semi.