Finch continues fine form in England

In-form Australia batter Aaron Finch smashed a quickfire half century to help Surrey to an easy victory in the England domestic Twenty20 competition on Thursday.

Finch hit four sixes and five boundaries in a 33-ball 58 at the top of the order as Surrey recorded a 39-run triumph over the Essex Eagles at The Oval in London.

Fresh from a total of 306 runs for his country in the recently completed Twenty20 tri-series tournament in Zimbabwe, Finch helped Surrey score at more than 10 runs an over early in their innings.

It wasn't until Finch's dismissal - caught and bowled by fellow Australia international Adam Zampa - that Essex were able to slow the scoring rate, but a late innings flurry helped the hosts post an imposing target of 4-222.

Zampa was the pick of the Essex bowlers with an impressive 2-20 from his four overs, while batter Nic Maddinson was out for just three in Surrey's innings as Finch stole the show with his superb half century.

In reply Essex never really threatened to reach their target as they were restricted to just 7-183, with opener Varun Chopra top scoring with 67.

Surrey jump to fifth place in the South Group standings courtesy of the victory, while Essex fall to eighth.

In the only other game played on Thursday, the Sussex Sharks cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Hampshire at The Rose Bowl in Southampton.

Hampshire's score of 7-158 was never going to be enough, with Sharks skipper Luke Wright smashing 68 to help his side to the triumph.