Luke Wright has hailed the “world class” innings which ended Sussex Sharks’ dreams of T20 glory.

And he insisted no blame should be attached to Alex Carey, whose drop cost dear.

Moeen Ali fired 121 not out from 60 balls as holders Worcestershire won by eight wickets at Hove in the Vitality Blast quarter-finals.

He was put down by Carey - a relatively simple chance - when he was on five before serving up an 11-six masterclass.

Sussex skipper Wright said: “You need to take your chances early on, especially with someone of this man’s quality.

“But someone like Alex Carey has got us into the quarter-finals. He has been absolutely outstanding so no blame whatsoever.

“I take my hat off (to Ali). I’m a massive Mo fan and we got to see the best of him.

“That was world class out there and we had no answer. Good luck to him.”

Sussex set 184-6 having been put in and were reasonably happy with their total.

Phil Salt scored 72 off 40 balls and shared an opening stand of 84 from 53 balls with Wright (28).

Laurie Evans hit 43 off 31 deliveries, accelerating late on after Sussex had lost their way just past the midway point of the innings.

Reece Topley bowled Joe Leach in the first over of the reply and was then agonisingly close to finding either Moeen’s off stump or outside edge.

Ali, who had earlier taken 1-22 off four overs, then survived his big let off, with Ollie Robinson the unfortunate bowler, before taking charge.

Riki Wessels played a supporting role of 47 off 46 balls in a second-wicket stand worth 177 in 17 overs as all the home bowlers suffered.