Udal's happy homecoming

Middlesex spinner Shaun Udal could not hide his delight at winning the Twenty20 Cup after a dramatic final against Kent at the Rose Bowl.

Playing on his old stomping ground, which he left behind for a move to Lord's this summer, the veteran former England bowler helped seal a three-run victory over the holders.

Middlesex posted 187 for six from their 20 overs, which Kent just failed to overhaul in a match that went down to the final ball.

Udal said: "I'd have preferred it not to have gone to the last ball. We were second favourites with a couple of balls to go.

"We're absolutely elated. I thought these days were gone but they're back and I'm really pleased."

Udal added: "Kent played fantastically well - they're an outstanding side.

"It was our day today. Commiserations to them - they've had a great competition."

Middlesex wicketkeeper Ben Scott was ecstatic, but exhausted, after the dramatic finale, saying: "It was a great effort by the boys.

Shaun Udal surveys the Kent batsmen during their opening stand in the thrilling Twenty20 Cup final

"They (Kent) just keep going so to restrict them like that...I kept thinking it (the game) had gone and then it came back."

Kent's Justin Kemp was distraught after just failing to chase down the Crusaders' total.

"We really worked hard to get it down," Kemp said. "But Hendo (Tyron Henderson) kept his nerve and bowled very good deliveries.

"But it is still really upsetting to get so close. It was a good fight from us - (we) batted well all the way down and it's just heartbreaking."

Henderson, who delivered the crucial final ball and executed the run-out which secured victory, said: "It's been a very interesting day to say the least."

Asked how the victory ranked in his career, the South African said: "It would have to rank up there when I won the Twenty20 at home with the Lions."

Middlesex's reward is a set of lucrative fixtures in the Caribbean later this year.

Udal added: "I expect the wife's probably spent most of it already. We're on the way somewhere special and it'll be great fun. It'll be a great trip and we can't wait. We deserve it."

Both finalists are also expected to form part of the inaugural Twenty20 Champions League, in which a £2.5million first prize is on offer.