Kent captain Rob Key believes the Spitfires need one more win from their remaining two matches to qualify for the knockout stages of the Twenty20 Cup after their thrilling one-run victory over Surrey Brown Caps at The Oval on Wednesday.

"I think one more win will do it," said Key after Kent’s second successive victory in the South Division. "The boys are playing some good cricket but I still feel we can improve, although let’s not forget we are doing all this without an overseas player."

Having been set 169 to win, Surrey’s target of 14 from the final over, bowled by Ryan McLaren, was reduced to just eight when the Spitfires were penalised six runs for a slow over rate.

After the Brown Caps got a single, South African Andre Nel then struck a four to leave Surrey needing three runs from four deliveries. They then scrambled another single before Jade Dernbach was run out by Martin van Jaarsveld after going for a suicidal single to mid-wicket.

Key added: "Because they were nine down, I always felt we were favourites but it would have been a tough one for the bookies to call. Full credit to Ryan McLaren because he bowled a good final over and then Martin van Jaarsveld kept his head to run out their batter."

Earlier, van Jaarsveld (54) and Key (44) were the chief run scorers as the Spitfires posted a total of 168-6 from their 20 overs.

The victory lifted Kent up to the second in the table, a point behind leaders Sussex who have played a game more.

The Spitfires are back in action on Friday when they play the Hampshire Hawks at the Rose Bowl before finishing their group games with the return meeting against Surrey at Beckenham on Sunday.