Match Reports: Kent Second XI vs. Sussex Second XI
With a week to go until the start of the Vitality Blast, a number of Kent first-team players featured for the Second XI against Sussex Second XI in a T20 double-header at Polo Farm, Canterbury.
Kent Spitfires’ T20 opener for 2023 is now NEXT WEEK, against Gloucestershire at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in Canterbury. Entry to all scheduled T20 home matches is included in Kent Cricket Memberships, on sale now.
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Kent Second XI got their T20 campaign off to a winning start, beating Sussex Seconds, by six wickets, at Polo Farm, Canterbury, in their first South Group match of the competition.
View full scorecard [Match One]
There were two excellent individual performances for Kent, from Netherlands international bowler, Freddie Klaassen, and experienced batter Joe Denly.
Klaassen destroyed the Sussex batting, as they slumped to 113 all out in 17.5 overs, taking five wickets, for just 12 runs conceded in 2.5 overs. Academy student Jaydn Denly 2 for 28. The only resistance came from Bertie Foreman, who made 34, after Sussex crashed to 59 for 7.
Kent Seconds then reached their winning target 114 for 4 in 15.2 overs, thanks an excellent knock from back in form Joe Denly, who was 46 not out, with four boundaries, and two sixes. Daniel Bell-Drummond 27.
The two sides then played a second match, in a double-header fixture, Sussex winning by four wickets, with just one delivery of their innings to spare, to make it honours even, in an excellent day of cricket, with the sun shining.
View full scorecard [Match Two]
Kent made two changes for this game, Academy students, Barney Ford and Ekash Singh, replacing Klaassen and Arafat Bhuyian, who has signed a professional contract with the county.
Alex Blake scored a not out half century, 52, with three fours and two sixes, in Kent Seconds 158 for 5 from their 20 overs. Visitors captain Ravi Bopara then scored 48 in the Sussex victory chase, but they needed 53 runs off the final five overs to win, and achieved their target 159 for 6, thanks to some big hitting from Daniel Ibrahim 31 not out, and Oscar Jago-Lewis 20, in a partnership of 53. George Linde 2 for 10, Barney Ford 2 for 31.
The two matches gave some Kent players time out in the middle, in preparation for the start of the first team’s Vitality Blast competition on Wednesday next week, May 24, when Gloucestershire, will be visitors to The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence.
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The Second XI’s next T20 match is tomorrow Thursday, May 18, against Essex Seconds, at Polo Farm, starting at 14:00. Entry is free.
By Peter Burrowes
Buy your T20 tickets now to save money, avoid disappointment & to lock in supporting your Spitfires during an exciting Summer of white-ball cricket!
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Members do not need to pre-book their space at T20 matches as per last season – entry will be gained by scanning a valid 2023 Kent Cricket Membership card at the gate.
Should seated areas such as the Frank Woolley Stand also sell-out, an allocation is set aside for Members & Six Pack Plus Ticket Holders.
