Danial Ibrahim delivered a masterclass in resilience and technique, scoring an unbeaten 121 to help Sussex secure a draw against Durham in the County Championship Division One clash at Banks Homes Riverside. The young batsman faced 315 balls, spending nearly seven hours at the crease to achieve his career-best score.

John Simpson also played a crucial role, contributing a gritty 85, as Sussex declared their second innings at 322-6. The match concluded with both teams shaking hands at 4:50 pm, consolidating their mid-table positions in the league.

Key Moments:

• Ibrahim's Century: The 20-year-old reached his first century of the season from 264 deliveries, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings under pressure.
• Simpson's Grit: Simpson's 85 was instrumental in stabilizing the Sussex innings, though he fell 15 runs short of another century.
• Durham's Bowling: Despite a probing spell from Matthew Potts, Durham struggled to break through Sussex's determined batting lineup.

Match Summary:

• Sussex 361 & 322-6 dec: Ibrahim 121*, Simpson 85, Coles 53; Potts 2-44
• Durham 327: Ackermann 65, Clark 51; Sandhu 5-83

The draw leaves both teams with valuable points as they prepare for their next fixtures. Sussex will host Warwickshire, while Durham travels to face champions Surrey at The Oval.

Upcoming Fixtures:

• Sussex vs Warwickshire: Sunday start
• Durham vs Surrey: The Oval

This match was a testament to the patience and skill required in first-class cricket, with Ibrahim's performance being a standout moment in the County Championship season.