Kent Spitfires (202-5) beat Somerset (170-9) by 32 runs in T20 Blast at Taunton

Jordan Cox smashed a career-best 94 to lead Kent Spitfires to a 32-run Vitality Blast victory over second-placed Somerset in the South Group at Taunton on Friday night.

Kent posted 202-5 after losing the toss on an evening of bright sunshine as Cox made a superb 94 off 47 balls - including six sixes - and Joe Denly contributed 41.

Cheered on by a 6,000-plus crowd, Somerset could manage only 170-9 in reply despite skipper Tom Abell top-scoring with 43 and Ben Green making 40.

It was only a second group victory in eight games for the Spitfires and a second defeat in seven games for Somerset.

Cox said: “The batting unit has been pretty short of runs up to now, but it was my chance this evening to step up and it’s what you want to do for the team.

“To get a win against these boys in their back yard is very pleasing. It was like Finals Day here tonight.

"I got off to a decent start and then kept on going, which I was really happy about.

“Our bowlers took wickets at key times. We were a bit nervous at the halfway stage, but they did an amazing job for us.”

Kent made a scratchy start in excellent batting conditions, failing to score a boundary off the first three overs, which cost just 13 runs.

Craig Overton’s introduction to the attack saw Denly, back in the side after illness, straight drive his first ball for four and Tawanda Muyeye scoop a six before he was caught next ball at extra cover for 10.

Grant Stewart was promoted up the order again but miscued a catch to cover to depart for a golden duck.

Kent reached 46-2 by the end of the six-over powerplay. Denly hit sixes over long-on off first Roelof van der Merwe and then Josh Davey before Cox claimed his first maximum in the 12th over, bowled by Overton, with a pull from