Chris Gayle’s remarkable century on his home debut for Somerset was in vain as Kent won by three runs in their NatWest t20 Blast encounter.

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The 35-year-old West Indian struck 10 fours and 15 sixes in an unbeaten 151 off 62 balls. However, despite an innings that should have been good enough to win any game, Gayle finished on the losing side.

Batting first, Kent lost Joe Denly in the second over to leave them 11 for one. After that, Sam Northeast (114) and Daniel Bell-Drummond (51) put on a brilliant batting display as Kent finished on 227 for seven.

Enter Gayle and co. The West Indian opener saw Marcus Trescothick and Peter Trego exit early. At 22 for two, Somerset appeared to be staring down the barrel of defeat.

Gayle, however, had slightly different ideas and, when the Jamaican struck three giant sixes in eight balls, the host county were on their way.

James Hildreth refused to remain in the shadow of Gayle and played his part in a partnership of 113 in nine overs. However, the locals had come to the County Ground to see Gayle, and they left with plenty over which to enthuse.

The left-hander struck five fours and four sixes in reaching his fifty off 29 balls and continued to make light of a Kent attack that simply had no answer. He put three balls into the River Tone and as many into St James’ churchyard.

Hildreth departed in the 13th over, for 29, with Somerset still needing 93 to win and Jim Allenby followed off the second ball of the 16th over with 63 still required.

However, Gayle went through three figures off just 45 balls and kept Somerset in with a chance until the penultimate ball. It was the sixth highest individual score in T20 history.