Kent Spitfires turned the formbook upside down as they defeated Sussex Sharks by 27 runs in the Friends Provident t20 at Hove.

Rob Key's side had gone into Sunday's game against the South Group leaders with only two wins in nine matches.

But, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Key (pictured) produced a captain's innings of 98 not out off 55 balls.

He put on 90 for the first wicket with fit-again Joe Denly (38), who returned to the side in place of Sam Northeast after recovering from a calf injury.

The only other man to bat was Martin van Jaarsveld who finished on 53 not out, putting on 104 with Key as Kent finished on an impressive 194-1 from their 20 overs.

Azhar Mahmood then made sure Sussex made a stuttering start, conceding only four runs from his opening two overs, picking up the wicket of opener Ed Joyce (8) in the process.

The impressive Matt Coles and Simon Cook then dismissed captain Murray Goodwin (5) and Dwayne Smith (16) before Matt Prior and Chris Nash gave Sussex brief hope by putting on 45 fourth wicket.

But once the in-form Prior had gone for 44, Sussex folded to 167-7. Coles was the pick of the Kent bowlers with 3-30.

Kent now take a break from the shortest form of the game as they welcome Pakistan to Canterbury for a three-day tour match, starting on Monday.

Can the win over Sussex spark an upturn in Kent's form? Have your say below.