Kent v Essex – Friends Life t20 (South Group) – Match Recap – Essex clinch 23-run victory
A half-century by Player of the Match Mark Pettini, followed by a combined bowling effort, enabled http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Canterbury-c775 on July 6.
Clumsy running, and an inability to turn starts into substantial scores proved to be the downfall of Kent as they went into the 150-run chase Essex had set them. Opener http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JEC-Franklin-c1684 (who claimed 2 for 13).
The 11th proved to be the lowest point of the innings, resulting in two run outs. Opener Sam Northeast (16) was attempting a second after being dropped by Tim Phillips at deep midwicket, when he collided with partner Darren Stevens, and was subsequently run out by Phillips’ return throw.
Stevens was run out in similar fashion two deliveries later, when confusion in running with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Azhar-Mahmood-c1116 (11) led to his being sent back to the pavilion by James Franklin’s throw.
By this point, Kent were 50 for 4, and their chances got even slimmer when Mahmood found himself dismissed by Masters in the 13th over. Wicketkeeper batsman Geraint http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Simon-Hewitt-Cook-c90350 (4) and Mark Davies (0) were both bowled in the 18th over.
Earlier, after Kent had won the toss and put their opponents to bat first, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Smith-c90598’s dismissal at the hands of Stevens in the 13th over.
Pettini was run out by Key in the very next over, but http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Graham-Napier-c1505 (8) managed to establish an unbeaten 26-run stand. Their partnership got their side up to 149 by the end of 20 overs – a total which their bowlers went on to defend comfortably.
The loss spells the end of the Friends Life t20 road for 2007 champions Kent. Essex, however, with 10 points and five victories, still have a chance to qualify if they manage to get the best of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hampshire-c789 at Southampton on July 8.
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