Tearful Heino Kuhn did not watch Kent cross the finishing line on Sunday – after getting out with four runs still needed for victory

Kuhn’s magnificently 127 guided the Spitfires to a match-winning position in their semi-final against Worcestershire in the Royal London One-Day Cup.

But Kent’s victory bid was left in the balance when he got out in the final over.

It was left to Harry Podmore to hit the winning boundary and Kuhn only realised Kent had reached Lord’s thanks to the reaction of his team mates.

Kuhn said: “I was heartbroken when I got out. It was my job to take us through and to get out at that stage I was in tears.

“Luckily they pulled it through so I’m very happy. I wasn’t watching at the end. I had my head in my hands but when he hit it I looked up at the screen and the guys were jumping up I thought someone was going to fall off the balcony."

Kuhn’s fourth century in five matches in the One-Day Cup is a feat never achieved before in the history of English List A cricket.

His is the leading run scorer in the competition with 664 at an average of 94.85.

“I’m very happy to have contributed to the team to get us to the semi-final and now to Lord’s.

“I said when I came here I wanted to win trophies and everyone in that changing room’s aim is exactly the same.

“They play like they want to win trophies and this is one step closer. Come Lord’s we will be up for it.”

The 34-year-old shared century partnerships with both Adam Rouse and Alex Blake to help see Kent to victory chasing down a target of 307.

He said: “We lost a couple of early wickets but Rousey came in, his wasn’t even supposed to play and came in for Sam Billings, and played a great knock under pressure. A lot of credit must go to him and the Blakey came in and played a phenomenal innings.

Even though Kuhn was left distraught by his late dismissal, Spitfires got over the line thanks to Podmore.

“Harry is a special creature. I don’t think he feels pressure and he came in and delivered.

“It’s 100% belief. We play until the last ball is bowled and never give up. There’s a lot of belief in our team.

“I’m just happy the team got through to the win. If I score zero or 99 or 100 and the team wins I will be happy.”