Azhar Mahmood took three wickets as Kent gained the upper hand against Hampshire on day three of their Championship match at Canterbury.

The 33-year-old had earlier hit 73 as Kent were all out for 369 - a lead of two - as leg-spinner Imran Tahir took his second five-wicket haul in a row.

Mahmood then helped restrict the visitors to 185-6 at the close.

Sean Ervine (66) and Nic Pothas (52 not out) showed some resistance after both openers had fallen for ducks.

Resuming the day on 241-3, Kent lost five wickets in the first session thanks to a fine spell of bowling from James Tomlinson, who claimed four dismissals.

But former Pakistan all-rounder Mahmood produced a typically belligerent innings, bringing up his half-century from just 59 balls.

He continued to counterattack after the second new ball before providing Tahir with his final wicket, finishing with figures of 5-96.

Hampshire's response began in the worst possible fashion as openers Michael Brown and Michael Carberry returned to the pavilion without score as Mahmood caused havoc with the ball.

Michael Lumb and Chris Benham fell cheaply, but Ervine and Pothas steadied the innings as Kent looked to press their advantage home.