Middlesex v Kent

KENT'S fourth Twenty20 Cup qualifier of the campaign ended as a damp squib in Uxbridge on Wednesday where rain washed out any chance of Kent reply after Spitfires had restricted the hosts to a modest 20-over total of 146 for seven.

Built around a top score of 66 from 50 balls by former Kent and England bat Ed Smith, Middlesex looked set for many more runs until a mid-innings burst of three for 28 from Simon Cook pegged back their scoring rate.

Smith eventually went in the 17th over after playing on to a Ryan McLaren yorked leaving Chad Keegan to see out the remaining overs to finish unbeaten on 23.

Another ex-Kent man, South African all-rounder Tyron Henderson also showed his love of big hitting with a six off Cook but, in trying to clear the ropes again from the next ball, he holed out to long off to go for 12 and become one of several home batters who flattered to deceive.

Cook was the pick of the Kent attack playing against his former county, while new signing Morne Morkel continued to impress with a four over stint of one for 20 that included the scalp of Eoin Morgan, spectacularly caught at deep point by McLaren running in from the ropes and low down.

With small boundaries and the likelihood that Middlesex would have had to bowl with a wet ball, Spitfires fancied their chances of chasing down the Crusaders' total even though Rob Key was forced to sit out the game with the hamstring strain he picked up against Sussex in Canterbury on Tuesday.

However, the heavens opened during the 10 minute interval between innings and the rain was still pouring down when the umpires inspected at 7.40pm when umpires Jeremy Lloyds and John Holder had no option but to abandon the game with each side receiving one point apiece.

Kent will hope for better weather when they return to cup action against Essex in Chelmsford on Friday evening. The game is already a sell-out.

Scores:Middlesex 146 for seven after 20 overs. Match abandoned as a draw; Middlsesex 1pt, Kent 1pt.