KENT lost their second Twenty20 Cup qualifier at The Mote where Essex skipper Ronnie Irani inspired the visitors to an eight-wicket win.

In a reverse of Friday night's fortunes against Middlesex, Kent batted badly and were made to pay the ultimate price as Essex romped home with 27 balls to spare.

Responding to Kent's paltry 125 all out, Irani recovered from the loss of overseas star Andy Flower in the first over to bat through the 16 overs needed to polish off Kent's off-colour attack.

The former England all-rounder hit nine fours in his unbeaten 64 from 52-balls as Kent's bowlers all struggled to find a good length on a slow Maidstone pitch.

Irani teamed up with Graham Napier (27) to post 87 in 10 overs for the second wicket and was still there at the end to deserve the man-of-the match award.

Shahid Afridi, in his second match of a four-game stint, top-scored with 25 from 14 balls, but Symonds failed for once, going leg before for 14 after walking across his stumps to Scott Brant.

The Kent middle order duly crumbled as Brant finished with four for 20 and spinner James Middlebrook two for 17.

Essex 2pts Kent 0