Kent 160-5 - Gloucestershire 164-2

GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club bounced back from their defeat to Glamorgan as Miles Hammond’s half century helped them to an eight wicket victory over Kent on Sunday.

Hammond’s 51 opening stand from 76 with Michael Klinger, who went on to make 46 before he was out in the 16th over. gave Gloucestershire the perfect springboard as they chased down 161 to win with Ian Cockbain, who scored 32 and Benny Howell, 20, securing the points with four balls to spare.

Joe Denly had made an unbeaten 99 as they went 160-5. Their next highest scorer was Daniel Bell-Drummond who made 19 runs.

Benny Howell was key for Gloucestershire in slowing Kent’s progress. The second of his two wickets was his 100th in T20 cricket. His first broke the opening partnership while his second ended Sam Billings who was caught at long by Ian Cockbain while he also caught out Marcus Stoinis.

For Gloucestershire, Hammond reached his half century after just 28 balls, hitting three sixes and five fours in the process.

Klinger added 46 which took the pressure off Gloucestershire going into the final two overs. Cockbain sent Stoinis over the fence while Howell picked up two boundaries, one in the final over with the scores level and Gloucestershire went on to seal an important victory,

Gloucestershire remain in third place behind Kent and leaders Somerset, although they have a game in hand on both and are just a point behind the leaders.

Their next games are against Middlesex at home on Thursday followed by a trip to Essex on Friday, both in the T20 Blast.