KENT snatched an 18-run defeat from the jaws of victory in Scarborough on Sunday after a disappointing batting display against National League basement side Yorkshire.

Despite losing their last six league games, Phoenix were allowed to wriggle off the hook from 76 for five to post 197 for eight on a tricky pitch at North Marine Drive.

And though Kent made a sound start to their reply through Ed Smith (36) and Rob Key (28) for an opening stand of 57, the visitors suffered a mid-innings crisis against some tight home bowling to slide to 179 all out to lose with seven balls remaining.

Their last remaining hopes of pulling off the win lay with skipper David Fulton (48 from 69 balls) and James Tredwell (24), but Tredwell heaved across a full-toss and Fulton was yorked just 10 balls from the end by host man-of-the match Vi Craven who took a career-best four for 22.

Earlier, Muttiah Muralitharan had earlier been the Spitfires’ star on his club debut by taking two for 25 in a tight nine over spell and clinching two vital run outs with a brace of direct hits.

The Sri Lankan off-spinner started and finished his stint from the Press Box End with maidens and did more than enough to raise expectancy levels in-between times.

Ironically it was Ben Trott, who may not have played had Mohammad Sami declared himself fit from an ankle strain, who made the early inroads for the visitors. He took three wickets in his opening five overs and went on to finish with three for 39.

He had Stephen Fleming (7) and Yuvraj Singh (11) caught in the cordon though both batsmen waited for a decision and appeared unhappy to have their appeals upheld.

Trott also account for Michael Lumb (5) to a top-edged pull that skied to give keeper Geraint Jones the third of four catches.

Murali then took centre stage to account for the Phoenix middle order almost single-handedly.

He had Craven caught at the wicket and bowled Andy Gray round his legs without scoring, but his run outs were equally vital.

After a decent stand worth 49 between Craig White (47) and Richard Blakey (35) both attempted suicidal singles to mid-on and paid the price when Murali broke the stumps with two under arm shies.

Some lusty late hitting from Tim Bresnan (36) and Chris Silverwood (26) took the Tykes up to 197 for eight, 20 more than they could have hoped for and a total that proved beyond Kent’s compass.