By Andrew Gidley

Malinga Bandara enjoyed his best day for Kent so far in Spitfires' eight-wicket victory in the Clydesdale Bank 40 competition over Leicestershire Foxes at Canterbury.

It ensured an early finish to Festival Week, as Martin Van Jaarsveld and Geraint Jones rushed Kent home to their third success in the competition this season, their first against a county side, with nearly 14 overs to spare.

Foxes made a lightening start taking 27 off the first two overs, but Bandara, pictured, claimed 5-35 - including three in the space of four overs - and with Van Jaarsveld (3-23) and James Tredwell (1-14 in seven overs) helped pull Kent back in contention as Leicestershire slipped from 93-3 to 148 all out.

Skipper Rob Key was full of praise for the 30-year-old Sri Lankan.

He said: "They got off to an absolute flyer, and we thought we were going to be chasing a monster score. However Banda and Treddy came on and did a fantastic job for us.

"Leg spinners get you wickets but also go for runs, and the situation in our last two championship matches (against Essex and Somerset) meant he (Bandara) hasn't got in the game much.

"He has settled in well since he joined us, but it's been pretty tough for him at times, and I am just pleased he came through for us in this one."

Picture: Barry Goodwin