Kent Spitfires see off Somerset challenge
Friday 23rd May 2014
Kent Spitfires opened their NatWest T20 Blast campaign with a 42-run victory over Somerset in a rain-affected South Group match at the County Ground.
The game was reduced to 13 overs a side and delayed until 7pm, but the poor weather failed to dampen Spitfires' spirits as they sent the hosts crashing to a second defeat in the competition.
The win was orchestrated by Kent's top order, with opener Daniel Bell-Drummond the star of the show as he smashed 59 off 30 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, to set up a score of 164 for five.
Bell-Drummond's fellow opener Rob Key also flailed the Somerset attack by posting a quickfire 46 off 22 deliveries.
Darren Stevens then ensured the flow of runs continued, needing just 20 balls to smash a 47 that was headlined by two sixes.
The next two wickets fell cheaply but the damage had already been done, with Somerset lacking the firepower to mount a serious challenge to the target set.
When captain Marcus Trescothick fell cheaply for three runs, the writing appeared to be on the wall. Trescothick's fellow opener Craig Kieswetter struck 40 to give Somerset hope, but they were running out of overs to catch their opponents.
James Hildreth finished unbeaten on 58 from 29 balls in a score consisting of seven fours and one six, but his fine effort failed to prevent the Spitfires from romping home.