In a thrilling Vitality Blast 2025 SUS vs KEN match at the 1st Central County Ground in Hove, Joey Evison’s late blitz fueled Kent Spitfires to a thrilling two-wicket win over Sussex Sharks. Needing a small 149, Kent fought back from 112 for 8 to wrap up the game with three balls remaining, keeping their knockout aspirations alive in the tight SUS vs KEN competition.
Joey Evison: Match-Winner, Kent Needed
Evison turned the match around with a scintillating 48 off 24 balls, pulling Kent back from the brink of defeat. When Tymal Mills shook up the middle order with two wickets in three balls, Kent seemed down and out. But Evison had other plans.
Smashed consecutive sixes off James Coles
Took 17 runs off Ollie Robinson’s 17th over
Clubbed a huge six off Mills in the 18th
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Sealed the game with a stunning extra cover boundary off Danny Lamb
Thanks to his cool and composed batting, Kent now has 22 points along with Hampshire and Sussex, heating up the race for the Vitality Blast 2025 playoffs.
Gilchrist’s Career-Best Haul Rocks Sussex
Kent’s victory was founded on an impressive bowling display. Nathan Gilchrist took a career-best 4 for 42, including a game-altering double-strike in the 10th over.
Dismissed Daniel Hughes early
Bowled James Coles and sent Tom Alsop packing with consecutive deliveries
Almost achieved a hat-trick with a fingertip opportunity off John Simpson’s straight drive
Sussex, who were once 87 for 2, folded to 148 all out in the last but one over. Only Ollie Robinson’s cameo of 27 in 14 gave them a fighting total.
Kent Stumble Early but Bell-Drummond Offers Resistance
The pursuit started on unsteady feet with Kent losing three wickets within the powerplay. Despite the initial mishaps, Daniel Bell-Drummond (47 off 36) steadied the ship for a while.
Sussex’s Ollie Robinson made significant contributions in the field instead:
Ran out Joe Denly with an excellent direct hit
Dismissed Bell-Drummond with a fine throw from deep
Mills Strikes but Kent Fights Back
Tymal Mills placed Sussex on top once again in the 16th over:
Clean bowled Jack Leaning with a pinpoint yorker
Dismissed Tom Rogers, leaving Kent at 112 for 8
With the match slipping away, Evison and Fred Klaassen counterattacked, adding vital runs and breaking Sussex’s stranglehold.
Vitality Blast 2025: Knockout Battle Intensifies After SUS vs KEN Thriller
This SUS vs KEN Vitality Blast face-off has made the points table crowded. Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire now all have 22 points each, and each of the remaining games becomes important.
Match Highlights – SUS vs KEN, Vitality Blast 2025
Venue: 1st Central County Ground, Hove
Result: Kent Spitfires won by 2 wickets
Player of the Match: Joey Evison – 48* (24)
Top Performers:
Nathan Gilchrist – 4/42
Daniel Bell-Drummond – 47 (36)
Ollie Robinson – 27 (14) & 2 sublime run-outs
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