Tymal Mills believes Sussex have shown they can be resilient - after they gave fans at Hove something to cheer, writes Joe Grant.

Sharks picked up their first win in six to beat undefeated Surrey by 17 runs at the 1st Central County Ground.

They had lost five in a row, including a dismal defeat last time at Hove to Gloucestershire, when they lost eight wickets for 23 runs to throw the match away.

Mills was delighted with the team’s reaction against Surrey.

The pace bowler said: “That was a really important game for us as a team, especially in the manner we’ve lost some games this competition.

"I think we showed a bit more resilience tonight.”

Surrey were cruising after ten overs, sitting on 106-2, and they looked set to continue their unbeaten campaign so far.

Sharks then proceeded to take eight wickets for 44 runs to pick up a much-needed victory and keep their slim hopes of qualifying for the quarter finals alive.

Will Jacks struck 76 from 48 balls to put the visitors in a commanding position in the game and was the anchor in his side's chase.

Sussex had to pick up the wicket of Jacks and the impressive Delray Rawlins had him caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan.

Mills explained: “We knew we had to get Jacks out.

"He was a massive wicket. He’s obviously a brilliant player.

"We stayed in there and we knew wickets could fall in clusters.”

Rawlins was easily the man of the match, hitting 34 off 17 balls at the end of the innings and then taking two key wickets with the ball.

The fast bowler was full of praise for his team-mate.

The England international said: “He has been brilliant with the ball all competition.

"He has been bowling tough overs for us in the power play and, with the bat, he has started to come good.”

Sussex really had to dig deep to comeback with confidence low after so many defeats in a row.

Mills was delighted with his side’s resilience and the skill his fellow bowlers showed to get back in the game.

The left-armer said: “You must stay in the moment, in the game.

"You have to believe that, if you take two wickets, three wickets, you are generally in with a chance.

"I think we bowled well and better in the second half than we did in the first.

"Again that’s being adaptable and not giving up on the game.”

Sussex were left four points behind Gloucestershire in fourth place and they will need to win every game and hope results go their way to have any chance of qualifying.

It has been a tricky campaign for Ravi Bopara’s side, but they will be hoping they can build on the momentum of Thursday night’s result.

Mills still has belief the Sharks can make the quarter finals.

The fast bowler said: "Of course we have to believe.

"Every game from now on is a final, we know we must win every game. We’ll go out their best foot forwards at Kent."