Kent edged a dramatic run chase at Beckenham to beat the Notts Outlaws by five wickets, sealing victory with just four balls remaining after the visitors had been set 294 to win.
Martindale’s hundred not enough
Nottinghamshire’s innings was anchored by Ben Martindale, who made a well-crafted 101 as the Outlaws posted 293 for nine. He was supported by Kyle Verrynne, who contributed 71, but the Kent attack, led by Ekansh Singh with figures of 4 for 40, prevented the total from crossing 300.
Notts chose to bat. Early moments saw Freddie McCann dropped on nought and then dismissed for seven, while Tayyab Tahir and Haseeb Hameed offered starts but failed to progress to match-defining scores. Martindale and Verrynne put on a crucial partnership of 81, helping the hosts rebuild, but late wickets meant the innings lost momentum in the final overs.
Kent’s class under pressure
Kent’s reply featured substantial contributions from Harry Finch (a top-score of 88) and Sam Northeast (78), who combined to get the visitors well placed. The match swung in the later stages, however, as Notts’ bowlers — notably James Hayes with 3 for 45 — applied pressure and produced several pivotal moments in the field.
In the closing stages, Chris Benjamin remained unbeaten on 55 and, alongside Grant Stewart, saw Kent home, with Stewart finishing the job for the second match running.
- Notts Outlaws innings: 293 for 9
- Top Notts scores: Ben Martindale 101; Kyle Verrynne 71
- Kent chase: successful with four balls to spare; Finch 88, Northeast 78, Benjamin 55*
| Team | Score | Notable performers |
|---|---|---|
| Notts Outlaws | 293/9 | Ben Martindale 101; Kyle Verrynne 71 |
| Kent | Reached target | Harry Finch 88; Sam Northeast 78; Chris Benjamin 55*; Ekansh Singh 4-40 |
The match underlined both the depth of batting in the Kent line-up and the persistence of Nottinghamshire’s attack. At various points Notts looked poised to defend their total — England county cricket often turns on a single catch or a tight over — and here several outstanding fielding moments kept the contest alive.
For supporters following the Outlaws, the result will be a reminder of how fine the margins are in high-scoring fixtures: a century and a late bowling fightback were not quite enough on the day. Kent’s ability to steady and then accelerate under pressure made the difference as they completed a nervy run chase at Beckenham.
