Denly reacts to match-winning century

Joe Denly admitted ‘it doesn’t get much better’ than cracking an unbeaten century to lead a record chase at rivals Surrey.

The 31-year-old hit a blistering 116 not out to ensure Kent overhauled the hosts’ total of 205-5 at a packed Oval by eight wickets on Friday night.

Denly’s career best T20 score made him the first Kent batsman to reach three figures twice in 20-over cricket.

It was the fourth highest chase in domestic T20 cricket and featured an opening stand of 163 between Denly and they were gracious in defeat and to a man they came over and shook my hand.

“Both Deebz and I were struggling to pick it up at the start there, not because of the light so much but because of the background.

“But it was the kind of wicket where you needed to spend a bit of time getting used to the pace of the ball.

“After that it was a typical Oval run-chase. It’s a big ground to defend on, so there were lots of gaps, plenty of twos to run which I felt we did well.

“The pitch was a weird browny-green colour but the ball came on pretty well and I didn’t mind batting on it.

“Daniel was brilliant down the other end. He’s a delightful player, unorthodox at times and has great hands.

“The Surrey boys found him a nightmare to bowl at and it proved a great opening stand as it left us with plenty of wickets in hand.

“Then (Sam Billings) came in to play a nice little knock that really took the pressure off me. It was a great time for him to come in and show off his skills.”

Kent, who hosted Gloucestershire on Tuesday at Canterbury, travel to Middlesex today (5.30pm, Thursday) and Sussex on Sunday (2.30pm).