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Kent assistant coach Allan Donald hails team effort in Surrey win

Allan Donald hailed a magnificent team performance in Kent’s 220-run victory at home to Surrey.

The Spitfires made it four-wins in a row in the Royal London One-Day Cup to put them in with a chance of progressing in the competition.

Heino Kuhn’s century with the bat and Darren Stevens’ six wickets helped guide their team to the win over rivals Surrey.

Imran Qayyum celebrates the wicket of Jason Roy. Picture: Andy Jones
Imran Qayyum celebrates the wicket of Jason Roy. Picture: Andy Jones

Assistant coach Donald said: “It’s sometimes very hard to comment on those kind of wins when the team bats so well.

“Scoring 384 and then having the composure to see it out and a 42-year-old takes six wickets.

“We have been talking about that kind of performance, even after those first two losses we were close to putting it all together.

“In those last three wins we thought we were really close to putting a real team effort in and today that was it.

“It was a magnificent team performance and I’m pleased for everyone.”

Heino Kuhn celebrating his 100. Picture: Andy Jones
Heino Kuhn celebrating his 100. Picture: Andy Jones

Kent amassed 384 after being put in by Surrey, equalling their highest-ever List A total.

Kuhn top-scored with 117 at the top of the innings and was supported with Joe Denly’s 78 from 71 balls.

Alex Blake accelerated the run-rate batting at number five hitting six sixes in a quickfire 59 from 26 balls. This included four maximums in four balls against Gareth Batty before getting out attempting a fifth.

Darren Stevens’ 6-25 helped Kent bowl their opponents out for 168 with Imran Qayyum bowling superbly for his 2-50.

Jason Roy (68) top scored for Surrey but only four of their batters made it to double figures.

Alex Blake celebrating his 50. Picture: Andy Jones
Alex Blake celebrating his 50. Picture: Andy Jones

Donald said: “We’ve had to work really hard to bring the confidence to the table. Heino Kuhn’s hundred, Joe Denly is stepping on it really hard when we need him to, then Alex Blake played an incredible knock to send that run rate climbing.

“I’m chuffed for Darren Stevens. It was a composed effort from everyone with the ball.

“With that experience he knows what he’s about and ticks over but I’m really pleased for him.

“We’ve been working with Imran Qayyum on his pace and trajectory and his role in the team in One-Day cricket. For him to put a performance like that was really good especially the way he bowled.

“I spent a bit of time with Harbhajan Singh in the IPL and the World Cup and his view on One-Day bowling and sharing those types of outlook on how he sees it, especially on good pitches like this. He came to the party today and got two valuable wickets.”

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