Sussex became Emirates T20 champions for an historic third successive time, beating the MCC by 12 runs in the final in the United Arab Emirates.

Nottinghamshire were represented strongly in the MCC side, Samit Patel, Andre Adams and Harry Gurney all selected in the team captained by Muttiah Muralitharan.

Gurney Gurney struck early in the Sussex innings, his pace complimented by Kyle Hogg saw the reigning champions reduced to 18-2 and both of their openers in the pavilion.

However Harry Finch and Matt Prior made 65 for the third, and the former continued with Hamilton-Brown after Muralitharan accounted for the England wicket-keeper for 35.

Finch proved adept against spin, using his feet well as he brought up a 46-ball 50, and the pair brought out big shots toward the tail end of the innings, pushing Sussex to their ultimately insurmountable total. 

Chasing 151 to win, the MCC finished on 138/5, Rory Hamilton-Brown setting the pace for Sussex, dismissing Luis Reece in the first over.

Samit Patel and Sam Robson looked to get the side back on track, scoring 35 at a run-a-ball. The latter fell, followed by Prasanna Jayawardene, leaving the MCC 62-3 from ten overs

Patel battled on, scoring three boundaries in his 26, before Hamilton-Brown claimed his wicket.

A late flourish from former Sussex player Ollie Rayner kept the MCC in contention, finding the boundary with ease, but it proved in vain, Sussex sealing the trophy.

Earlier in the day, the MCC squeezed past a spirited KPL XI despite an excellent unbeaten 56 from Pervaiz Nasir, who took his side to 156-8, just three runs behind the total set. 

Harry Gurney struck early, as did Kyle Hogg, but despite falling to 44-5, a sixth-wicket recovery kept the chase alive.

It was another Nottinghamshire player who pushed the MCC back in front, Andre Adams taking two wickets to finish with figures of 2-21. It did come down to the last ball, though, CTK Masood driving what would have been a boundary straight into the stumps at the runner’s end to rob a famous victory.

After winning the toss, Muttiah Muralitharan elected to bat and the MCC were indebted to opening batsman Luis Reece, whose explosive 61 pushed the MCC into the lead. He was ably backed up by Patel, who made 14 before being sent back to the pavilion. Prasanna Jayawardene continued his good work, pushing the MCC’s total ultimately out of their opponents’ reach.