Daniel Bell-Drummond calls Kent’s four-run win over unbeaten Somerset “a big statement” after scoring 100

Daniel Bell-Drummond believes Kent Spitfires made a “big statement” on Sunday after they halted Somerset’s flawless start to the 2025 T20 Blast season in a tense four-run thriller at Taunton.

The Kent opener smashed a scintillating 100 off just 49 deliveries — his first century of this year’s competition — as the visitors posted a commanding 228-5. His innings, laced with 12 fours and four sixes, ultimately proved decisive in one of the most exciting matches of the campaign so far.

“It was a brilliant game of cricket,” said Bell-Drummond. “I enjoyed it from start to finish, and I think the crowd enjoyed it as well.”

Somerset had won all five of their previous group games, asserting their dominance in the South Group early on. But Kent, with this victory, have reignited their own push for qualification, narrowing the gap between themselves and the leaders to six points.

The Spitfires’ win wasn’t just notable for the points — it carried emotional weight for Bell-Drummond. The 31-year-old has spent his entire county career with Kent but has strong ties to Somerset, having studied at the prestigious Millfield School nearby.

“It was a really proud day for me,” he said. “I went to school down the road, and I’ve got a lot of friends there who are basically my family. It’s almost my second home. It was great to win in front of old friends and teachers.”

Despite a cautious start, Bell-Drummond soon found rhythm, tearing into Somerset’s bowling attack with elegant timing and power. “I was a bit slow to start,” he admitted. “But once I got going, everything I was hitting was finding gaps, going for four or six — just one of those days.”

Kent’s bowling attack was put to the test as Somerset, led by their dangerous middle order, came close to chasing down the target in a thrilling finish. But tight death bowling and disciplined fielding held firm to protect a narrow lead, sparking wild celebrations from the visitors.

Somerset, who lifted the Blast trophy in 2023 and have been finalists twice since 2020, will view this defeat as a wake-up call. For Kent, it’s a potential turning point in their campaign — a high-scoring, high-pressure win against the competition’s form team.

The Spitfires now shift focus to Wednesday night, when they host Gloucestershire at the Spitfire Ground. With momentum on their side and Bell-Drummond in form, Kent will be eyeing another crucial win to keep their semi-final hopes alive