Delray Rawlins was dismissed for first-ball as Sussex suffered their first defeat in the Vitality Blast T20 competition today, going down to Surrey by 26 runs at the Kia Oval.

Sent in, Surrey posted 163 for eight from their 20 overs with Ollie Pope their high man with 48 as leg spinner Will Beer claimed three for 22 for Sussex.

The visiting side, unbeaten in their first eight matches, were on course for another good run chase at 70 for two after ten overs. However, they found it difficult to keep the runs flowing against the slow bowling as the required run rate increased.

By the time Rawlins came in at No 6 at 115 for four in the seventeenth over, Sussex needed 48 off the last three overs. Rawlins went for a big hit and was caught inside the circle as the Sussex challenge faded.

With two overs left Sussex needed 43 runs and with only three wickets in hand. They finished with 137 for eight to record their first loss in the competition.

Laurie Evans was their top scorer with 34 from 35 balls while David Wiese finished with 31 not out from 21 balls.

Captain Luke Wright scored 25 earlier in the innings and wicketkeeper Alex Carey 19.

Sussex play Kent tonight at Canterbury in their next match, with Kent and Middlesex just a point behind Sussex going into yesterday’s matches.

Rawlins is expected to return to the island in time for Bermuda’s opening encounter against the United States on Sunday at White Hill Field in the ICC T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier. The match starts at 11am.