KIWI Ian Butler bagged three wickets and hat-trick of well-judged catches to inspire Kent's 47-run win over struggling Sussex.

After posting 163 for six from their 20 overs, Spitfires dismissed the Sharks for just 116 with Butler claiming three for 19 on his debut.

Ian Ward top-scored for the visitors with a modest 27, but then both Ben Trott and Amjad Khan each took two wickets inside an over apiece to leave the visiting middle order in tatters.

Kent had made a sloppy start to their innings losing skipper Andrew Symonds to the second ball of the game from James Kirtley.

Michael Carberry, Alex Loudon and James Tredwell all went for big shots only to pick out fielders and at 56 for four Kent appeared in deep trouble.

But a fifth wicket stand worth 76 in seven overs between Rob Key and Matt Walker started a fine recovery.

Walker top-scored with an unbeaten 48 from 39 balls while Key hit three sixes and as many fours in his 21-ball stay of 35.

The victory, Kent's second in four cup starts, keeps alive their slip qualification hopes should they win their final game at The Rose Bowl on Thursday.