Key has Notts in knots

Key rattled up 114 off just 98 balls and reached the century mark in 88 balls in this Norwich Union Division One clash. His prolific innings was aided by excellent quickfire knocks from Matthew Fleming and David Fulton as the visitors reached the massive total of 317 for eight at an impressive run rate of just over seven an over.

Despite a quick start Nottinghamshire were never in the chase, only Paul Franks (60) showing the kind of longevity at the crease needed to get close to such an imposing score as the home side buckled to 185 all out.

Opener Fleming hit a blistering 49 from just 37 balls, including 18 runs off one over from Greg Smith, who finished with figures of two for 53 from his seven overs. Fleming perished, however, when tried a hook over midwicket off a Nadeem Malik delivery which was caught by Babal Shafayat. It left Kent on 68 for one in the 10th over

Key batted through to the 42nd over, hitting seven fours and six sixes on his way to 114. He finally went the ball after smashing a massive six over long on, when he was bowled by Paul Franks while trying to play across the line. Key received support from James Hockley, who hit 37 from 38 balls, and wicketkeeper Paul Nixon who contributed with 34 runs from 40 deliveries.

Later in the innings, as Kent eyed a total of over 300, Fulton played a vital cameo role by gaining 37 runs off just 19 balls. Usman Afzaal finished with the best figures for the Outlaws, getting three wickets for 48 runs from his seven overs. South African-born Kevin Pietersen suffered worst from Kent's massive score with his two overs going for 25 runs.

Nottinghamshire responded as in-form opener Paul Johnson raced to 36 from just 26 balls, including three fours and two sixes, but his contribution was ended when he hooked Mark Ealham to Martin Saggers at square leg.

Earlier, with the score on 19, skipper Jason Gallian had been caught behind by Nixon off the bowling of James Golding for six. Afzaal hit a rapid 30 from 26 balls before Ealham collected his second wicket of the afternoon. The Outlaws were on course as far as the run rate was concerned having reached 84 when Afzaal departed in the 12th over.

The writing was on the wall when they lost two more for the addition of 19 runs. Pietersen (19) went after being bowled by Fleming, and Nico Boje (5) skied a cover drive to Matthew Walker at deep cover off a James Golding delivery.

Franks did his part in keeping Nottinghamshire in the hunt but was given no support from the tail-enders. Golding ended as the pick of the Kent bowlers, gaining his three wickets for 38 runs from his five overs.

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