Surrey vs Sussex Vitality Blast head to head is a key county rivalry contested at the County Ground, Hove, a prominent venue in England's T20 Blast circuit. The ground has hosted 518 matches since its first T20 fixture on 18 May 2014, with the most recent contest taking place on 31 May 2026.

Among the most frequent visitors to the venue is Somerset, which has played 105 matches there. The ground has produced several notable statistical milestones, including the highest team total of 265/5 and the best individual batting score of 153 runs.

Overview

The Surrey versus Sussex rivalry in the Vitality Blast is a defining fixture of the English domestic T20 calendar, with County Ground, Hove serving as a key battleground for these two southern counties. This head-to-head analysis focuses exclusively on matches contested between these two franchises at this specific venue, providing a granular view of their competitive history within the T20 Blast structure.

Cricsheet data confirms that 42 matches have been played between Surrey and Sussex at County Ground, Hove. The rivalry at this venue spans from 2019-07-24 to 2026-05-30, covering a period of nearly seven years of competitive cricket. This dataset provides a focused snapshot of how these two teams have performed against each other in Hove, distinct from their overall league standings or performances at other grounds.

The County Ground, Hove, located in Hove, England, has seen a variety of team performances over the years. Somerset is the most active team at the venue overall, having played 105 matches, which provides context for the pitch conditions and historical trends that Surrey and Sussex have also faced. However, the direct confrontation between Surrey and Sussex offers a unique statistical profile, shaped by the specific strengths and weaknesses of these two franchises when meeting on this particular turf.

What is the highest team total in this fixture?

The highest team total recorded in the Surrey versus Sussex Vitality Blast head-to-head fixture is 258/6. This score was achieved by Surrey against Sussex on 2023-06-09 at the County Ground, Hove. This performance stands as the benchmark for batting dominance in this specific rivalry at the venue.

While this 258/6 total is the record for the direct matchup, the broader venue statistics show an even higher ceiling for T20 Blast cricket. The overall highest team total at the County Ground, Hove, is 265/5, set by Somerset on 2022-07-09. This indicates that while Surrey's chase was dominant in the context of the Sussex rivalry, Somerset's innings surpassed it by seven runs in a different contest.

The contrast between the rivalry record and the venue record highlights the competitive nature of the Vitality Blast at Hove. Somerset is the most active team at this venue, having played 105 matches, which provides a larger sample size for setting records compared to the more frequent but smaller sample of direct Surrey-Sussex encounters. The 258/6 total by Surrey remains the specific target for batsmen in this fixture, distinguishing it from the general venue records set by other counties.

Lowest team total and batting records

The lowest team total recorded in the Surrey versus Sussex rivalry at the County Ground, Hove, was 23/3 by Sussex against Essex on 2025-06-13. This specific matchup result highlights the volatility of T20 Blast conditions at the venue. While the broader Cricsheet dataset for the ground lists a significantly lower aggregate score of 10/0 by Essex on 2020-08-27, that figure applies to the venue's overall history rather than the specific head-to-head record requested. The 23/3 total remains the benchmark for batting struggles within this particular fixture.

Individual batting performances in this rivalry have also produced notable scores. The highest individual score recorded between Surrey and Sussex at this venue is 121 by MM Ali, playing for Worcestershire, on 2019-09-06. This innings stands out as a key statistical marker for the head-to-head series. It is important to distinguish this rivalry-specific record from the venue's all-time highest individual score, which is 153 by LJ Wright in 2014-07-25. The 121-run knock by Ali provides a specific data point for analysts tracking individual form within the Surrey-Sussex dynamic.

Best bowling figures at County Ground, Hove

Best bowling figures at County Ground, Hove

Bowling performances at the County Ground, Hove, have reached exceptional standards since the venue hosted its first T20 match in 2014. The canonical record for the best bowling figures at this ground is held by BW Sanderson, who claimed 6/8 on 2025-06-06. This performance stands as the statistical benchmark for bowlers competing in the T20 Blast at this location. The 518 matches played at the venue provide a substantial dataset for evaluating such feats, with Sanderson's six-wicket haul representing the peak of individual bowling efficiency recorded in the Cricsheet data.

While Sanderson's 6/8 remains the outright best, other notable performances contribute to the venue's bowling history. N McAndrew recorded figures of 5/17 on 2025-06-08, demonstrating the consistency of high-quality bowling at Hove in recent seasons. These performances highlight the competitive nature of the T20 Blast, where bowlers must adapt to the specific pitch conditions at the County Ground. The venue has seen a wide range of team totals, from the lowest of 10/0 by Essex to the highest of 265/5 by Somerset, creating varied challenges for bowlers. Sanderson's and McAndrew's figures are particularly impressive given the potential for high-scoring chases at this ground.

The rivalry between Surrey and Sussex adds another layer of context to these bowling records. While the specific head-to-head statistics for this rivalry are distinct from the broader venue records, the overall quality of bowling at Hove influences every match played there. The 42 matches between Surrey and Sussex are part of the larger 518-match history that includes teams like Somerset, who have played 105 matches at the venue. This extensive usage of the ground ensures that the bowling records are well-tested across different teams and conditions. The 2025 performances by Sanderson and McAndrew are recent additions to this rich statistical heritage, setting new standards for future competitors in the Vitality Blast.

Match frequency and venue statistics

Sussex holds the distinction of being the most frequent participant in the Surrey versus Sussex Vitality Blast head-to-head, having contested 42 matches at the County Ground, Hove. This volume of fixtures establishes the venue as the primary stage for this specific county rivalry within the T20 Blast structure. The statistical weight of these 42 encounters provides a robust dataset for analyzing team performance trends, pitch behavior, and player matchups over time. Unlike other venues where the teams may have met only sporadically, the regularity of play at Hove allows for more definitive conclusions regarding competitive balance and historical dominance.

The broader context of the venue reveals its significance in the wider T20 Blast landscape. Cricsheet data confirms that the County Ground, Hove, has hosted a total of 518 matches since the first recorded game on 2014-05-18, with the most recent fixture taking place on 2026-05-31. Somerset emerges as the most active team at this ground overall, with 105 matches played, highlighting the venue's role as a key hub for multiple county franchises. The high match count underscores the stadium's capacity to handle frequent scheduling, making it a reliable location for both home and away fixtures across the league.

Statistical extremes recorded at the venue further illustrate the diverse conditions faced by teams, including Surrey and Sussex. The highest team total at the County Ground, Hove, is 265/5, set by Somerset on 2022-07-09. This scoreline demonstrates the potential for high-scoring affairs on the Hove surface, particularly when batting conditions favor stroke-play. Conversely, the lowest team total recorded is 10/0 by Essex on 2020-08-27, indicating that the pitch can also offer significant challenges for the batting side, potentially due to weather interruptions or exceptional bowling performances. These contrasting totals provide a range of scenarios that have shaped the outcomes of matches, including those in the Surrey versus Sussex rivalry.

Individual records at the venue also contribute to the statistical profile of the ground. The highest individual batting score is 153 by LJ Wright, achieved on 2014-07-25. This performance highlights the capability of the pitch to support extended batting innings. In the bowling department, the best figures are 6/8 by BW Sanderson on 2025-06-06, showcasing the potential for dominant bowling spells. These individual milestones add depth to the venue's statistical history, offering benchmarks for players competing in the Surrey versus Sussex matches. The presence of such records indicates that the County Ground, Hove, has been a stage for notable individual achievements, which can influence team strategies and player selections in the head-to-head encounters.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest team total at County Ground, Hove?

The highest team total recorded at the venue is 265/5, achieved by Somerset on 9 July 2022.

What is the lowest team total at County Ground, Hove?

The lowest team total is 10/0, scored by Essex on 27 August 2020.

Who holds the record for the highest individual batting score at the venue?

LJ Wright holds the record for the highest individual batting score with 153 runs, scored on 25 July 2014.

What are the best bowling figures at County Ground, Hove?

The best bowling figures are 6/8, achieved by BW Sanderson on 6 June 2025.

Which team has played the most matches at County Ground, Hove?

Somerset is the most active team at the venue, having played 105 matches.

Summary

County Ground, Hove has hosted 518 T20 Blast matches between 2014 and 2026. Key records include Somerset's highest team total of 265/5, LJ Wright's highest individual score of 153, and BW Sanderson's best bowling figures of 6/8. Somerset is the most frequent team at the venue with 105 matches.

See also