Luke Wright says tight finish could be just what Sharks need

Even though they ended up losing off the last ball.

Sharks will spend this week preparing for a quarter-final at home to Worcestershire after finishing top of the South Group.

The last-eight tie is a rematch against the county who beat Sussex in the final at Edgbaston last September.

Sussex are happy with the momentum they have built going into the knockout phase, despite losing their last two home games.

The fact they went to the final ball against a Gloucestershire side who needed the points to secure a home tie is being seen as a plus.

Sussex made slow starts to both innings, then turned it around, largely through the all-round efforts of Delray Rawlins, before Gloucestershire probably ‘won’ the final overs both times.

Graeme van Buuren hit a six off the last ball when a superb yorker from Reece Topley with the previous delivery had left them needing two for the victory.

Wright said: “When you get into the knockout stages, it’s on the night.

“I don’t think losing (on Friday) makes any difference.

“Of course, we would like to win our last group game.

“But I think the fact it was a tight game is good practice for us.

“We wanted normally to have done what they did and have a bowl first.

“But this time we wanted to bat first just to change up.

“I think it has been eight or nine games since we batted first.

“They had conditions in their favour but for us to take it that deep, we did really well.

“We probably just left 15 runs out there.

“In terms of momentum, we have got through as top of the group.

“There is plenty of momentum there and confidence and, with Del, another bloke is up and running with a great knock.”

Sussex already had top spot sewn up and, as Friday’s matches progressed, half an eye was kept on who they would be playing.

Defeat for Worcestershire means they will make the trip to Hove.

Wright said: “I suppose them being reigning champions there is maybe a bit more on them to get back there.

“Whoever you play in the quarter-finals, they are always going to be good sides. You have had to play some good cricket to get this far.

“We know how good they are, we know we’re going to have to be at our best to win.

“But we have played really well all the way through and there is no reason why we can’t take them down.”

Sussex had already put supporters on red alert in terms of ticket sales.

Their plans were put into operation from Saturday morning as seats went on sale for what is likely to be a 6,000 sell-out.

This time last year, Sussex won at Durham to secure their Finals Day place.

Playing at home will bring its own pressures – and benefits both on and off the pitch.

Wright said: “It’s massive for us as a club.

“One, for our fans. It has been amazing we have had six sell-outs out of seven here. That’s amazing.

“And, two, for the club itself. The financial gain of having a home quarter-final is massive.

“We are very proud of what we have done as a club but we are certainly not content yet.

“We want to get to Finals Day because it is a great day out.

“And you want to win but we have a lot of cricket to play before then.”

Wright played with a thumb injury and expects to be fully fit for the quarter-final.

Alex Carey will return from the Australia squad and his compatriot Jason Behrendorff has an extra week to rest the back problem which ruled him out on Friday.

Wright said: “I had to hide out of the way. I took a bad bruise to my thumb.

“Batting is fine, it’s just in the field, but luckily I got away with it.

“Jason has had a few issues with his back.

“Whether that break in Perth and then he has come over on a flight, he has just been feeling it.

“We need to manage where he is at.

“He is a quality bowler so, if he can be right, he is handy to have.

“He has got a week but the lads who have played have done really well.”