Joe Denly and Rob Key's hectic partnership lent a late glow to a frustrating conclusion in Kent's rain-induced stalemate against Surrey.

Needing an unlikely 200 from 34 overs for a batting point after Surrey declared on 307-9 at tea, Denly (80) and Key (76no) played their shots.

They took the score to 160-1 from 21.2 overs, but the bad weather returned in the guise of bad light late in the day.

That wiped out the last 12.4 overs, with Kent set to reach their goal.

Surrey's attacking field, in pursuit of the three wickets they needed for their extra point, was an obvious factor.

if we hadn't dropped 43 catches in the Championship, we wouldn't be where we are Surrey coach Alan Butcher

But that should not detract from the batting of Denly - 10 fours and two sixes - or Key, who hit 13 boundaries.

Both teams banked seven points, Kent moved up to third - nine off the lead - with Surrey 18 adrift at the bottom, just as they were at the start of this round.

With only two matches remaining for each, the reward for dodging the downpours over the last four days was short of what either might have hoped.

Surrey had resumed on 220-5, before Usman Afzaal (67) and Matthew Spriegel (42) took their dour sixth-wicket stand to 76.

Surrey coach Alan Butcher said: "It's our fault we're in this position, so we can't complain too much.

"It is frustrating that you can't get out and try to put things right. But if we hadn't dropped 43 catches in the Championship, we wouldn't be where we are."

Surrey have confirmed new signing Shoaib Akhtar is expected back in London on Monday after a work permit mix-up.

It is hoped the Pakistani fast bowler will be able to play in their final two Championship matches.