New Zealand allrounder Scott Styris has smashed the equal third fastest century in Twenty20 history off 37 deliveries as Sussex beat Gloucestershire in the English Trophy quarter-finals.

Styris hit nine sixes and five fours, reaching a half century in 24 balls and needed 13 more to reach three figures late on Tuesday.

Fast bowler James Fuller was lashed for 38 runs in one over, after it began with two no balls.

Australia’s Andrew Symonds holds the T20 record for the fastest century, taking 34 balls for Kent against Middlesex in July 2004.

Louis van der Westhuizen of Namibia required 35 against Kenya last November, and Styris tied with India’s Yusuf Pathan, who hit his century for Rajasthan against Mumbai in March 2010.

Sussex posted 4-230 in 20 overs, and Gloucestershire fell 40 runs short of victory, with Styris also claiming a wicket.