Tim Murtagh held his nerve to lead Middlesex to a dramatic six-run FP Trophy victory over Kent at Lord's.

Set a revised target of 173 to win in 33 overs, Kent were bowled out for 166 with Murtagh (4-29) taking three wickets in the final over.

Billy Godleman (43) and Andrew Strauss (33) had helped the hosts to 177-8 in an innings reduced to 37 overs.

Martin van Jaarsveld (53) led Kent's reply but, needing 12 off the last six balls, they were stunned by Murtagh.

The 26-year-old medium-quick bowled Geraint Jones and had Yasir Arafat and Simon Cook caught at mid-off.

He was backed up by South African Vernon Philander who finished with 2-31 and provided some intelligent bowling at the death.

Kent's chase had not got off to a good start when skipper Robert Key was bowled for one but van Jaarsveld got them within range at 98-3 with 10 overs remaining.

He was bowled attempting an ambitious pull off Shaun Udal but Darren Stevens and Azhar Mahmood put on 37 for the fifth wicket to keep Kent's hopes alive before falling in quick succession.

After electing to bat first Middlesex's looked to be heading towards a big total with Strauss, fresh from hitting 163 against Surrey, and Godleman in fine nick.

But Godleman and Owais Shah were run out in the space of eight balls and the hosts stuttered to their total.

Pakistani bowlers Yasir Arafat and Azhar were the pick of Kent's attack, taking 2-26 and 2-29 respectively as the Middlesex innings ended in a flurry of poor shots.