Hampshire's Nic Pothas survives this attempted stumping by Kent's Geraint Jones Picture: Barry Goodwin

Kent suffered a batting collapse as their outside Friends Provident t20 hopes all but faded at the St Lawrence ground on Friday night.

Hampshire Royals helped themselves to a 45-run victory with teenage spinner Danny Briggs returning the amazing figures of 3-5 in four overs.

Kent had looked on course for victory when they bowled out the visitors for 139 with one ball of their 20 overs to spare.

Overseas spinner Malinga Bandara enjoyed his best return for Kent, taking 3-14 including the key wicket of in-form opener Jimmy Adams.

Sean Ervine hit 44 but with Martin van Jaarsveld taking 3-25 Kent were able to halt the Royals’ charge.

The quicker bowlers did take some punishment, however, with Amjad Khan going for 20 in two overs, Simon Cook conceding 18 runs in two overs and Matt Coles leaking 26 runs in two overs.

Despite the early loss of Joe Denly (6), Kent’s reply was on course with Rob Key (22), Martin van Jaarsveld (19) and Geraint Jones helping them to 54-2 in the eighth over.

But thereafter, it turned into a shambles for the hosts with only Azhar Mahmood (16) reaching double figures.

Kent’s 54-2 quickly became 71-7 as the inexperience showed in their side, with former England paceman Simon Jones (3-20) backing up Briggs’ effort.

Spitfires were eventually dismissed for just 94 midway through the 17th over as they slumped to the bottom of the Southern section having lost eight of their 11 matches.