Sussex Sharks' Vitality Blast T20 clash with Kent was abandoned 11.2 overs into the Spitfires’ innings tonight.

The hottest day of the year ended in a crescendo of lightning, thunderstorms and a sudden deluge of rain over Canterbury.

Kent had reached 99-2 when the skies darkened and the heavens opened, leaving umpires Jeremy Lloyds and Chris Watts to take the players from the field for the sides to share a point apiece.

Chris Jordan and Rashid Khan each took a wicket for Sussex.

Gloucestershire's win over Glamorgan earlier in the day took them to top spot.

Sussex host Hampshire at Hove on Sunday (2.30pm) in what is close to being a sell-ut, although the weather forecast is not currently promising.