Stevens stars in fine Kent T20 victory

THE Kent Spitfires maintained their unbeaten run in the Twenty20 Cup with a convincing 62-run win over the holders, Middlesex Panthers, at Lord“s. Batting first, The Spitfires scored 191 for three from their 20 overs. Vice captain Martin van Jaarsveld led the way with a typically well crafted knock. The South African hit an unbeaten 73 and shared in an unbeaten stand of 76 with Darren Stevens (pictured), who made an undefeated 59. The all-rounder smashed ten fours and a six in his 26-ball knock. He was naturally delighted to make such an impact on his return from injury: ‘The finger“s good and it felt like I hadn“t been away. I enjoy batting with Jarre (Martin van Jaarsveld) and I was delighted to make a real positive impact in a great team win.“

Spinner James Tredwell was the pick of the Kent attack. He returned figures of two for 14 from his four overs and picked up the key wicket of England batsman Owais Shah: ‘It was a nice time to come on to bowl. Jarre and Stevo (Darren Stevens) set things up nicely for us and we put a decent total on the board. We then bowled well up-front and they fell behind the required rate. To get Owais first ball was a massive bonus for us.“

The game marked the opening of the new permanent floodlights at Lord“s and Tredwell views them as a welcome addition: ‘It“s good to get the permanent ones in because they are much better than the temporary lights they“ve had here previously. The lights are high quality – just as you would expect them to be here.“

Kent are next back in action on Friday when they play the Middlesex Panthers in the reverse fixture at Canterbury. Tredwell is calling for the Spitfires supporters to get right behind the team: ‘We are playing on some real good wickets down at Canterbury so it should be another good encounter. Hopefully we will get a good crowd in as they can really make a difference. We players really notice it when the atmosphere is good so let“s hope everyone gets behind us and cheers us on to victory after the weather disappointments in our last game with Essex.“

Tickets are on sale for Friday“s game between the two finalists in last year“s competition. You can book your tickets online at www.kentccc.com or by calling 01227 456886.

The game starts at 5.30pm this Friday. Why not cheer on The Spitfires and help them make it three matches unbeaten in this year“s T20!

Picture courtesy of Getty Images