Klinger's shock hundred after scoreboard error

Australian Michael Klinger smashed an unbeaten century to guide Gloucestershire to a T20 Blast quarter-final berth with a five-run win over Kent, but the veteran had no idea he’d reached three figures.

The retiring opener, who is set to call time on his 21-year career at the end of England’s T20 tournament, reached his eighth T20 century by hitting the final ball of Gloucestershire's innings for four to move to 102no.

But a scoreboard error meant the right-hander was completely unaware he was so close to the milestone and even after the ball found the rope, he’d expected to walk off the ground just short of three figures.

“The main scoreboard had me on 91,” Klinger told Sky Sports with a smile.

“So I was just trying to get a four or a six off the last ball, and then everyone started cheering.

“It was a nice surprise at the end.”

Chris Gayle (21) is the only man to have scored more T20 centuries than the 39-year-old Victorian, with Klinger’s eighth ton moving him above Aaron Finch, David Warner, Luke Wright and Brendon McCullum, who all have seven.

Despite an imposing total of 3-180, Gloucestershire were still made to sweat for victory as South African Faf du Plessis threatened to overhaul the target on his Kent debut.

The Proteas captain shared a 122-run stand with Sam Billings before both fell to Ryan Higgins, who claimed the key wickets of Alex Blake and du Plessis from consecutive deliveries to help secure the win.

While victory has almost certainly assured Gloucestershire a home quarter-final next week, it left Kent in a five-way battle for the remaining two play-off places.