Having been put in by the hosts the Kent batsmen played fantastically, building a platform and then going full on at the end of the innings to set a challenging target of 301 for 4 from their 50 overs. The innings focused around centuries from Van Jaarsveld (122 no) and Denly (102). Harmison was the only successful Durham bowler, taking all four wickets to fall for 47 runs from his 10 overs. Such form next season from the pace man and the ashes odds may start to back England’s chances against Australia.

In reply the home side lost big hitters Mustard and Di Venuto quickly, and were always behind the odds. Benkenstein finished on 80 no but wickets fell around him as the pressure of Kent’s big total, and tight bowling, began to tell. The innings finished on 218, with a late flurry of wickets for Tredwell (3-37) and a couple of inglorious run outs.

Kent now await the outcome of tomorrow’s match between Essex and Yorkshire at Chelmsford to see who they will face in the final at Lord’s on August 16th.