Key gained the last of eight Test caps a year ago

Rob Key hit his second century of the match as Kent condemned New Zealand to a nine-wicket defeat in their final match before the first Test.

A near first-choice Kiwi attack allowed the county side to cruise to a target of 189 in just 51 overs.

Captain David Fulton was stumped for 67 after an opening stand of 174 but Ed Smith helped add the 15 runs remaining.

Key, who gained the last of eight Test caps a year ago, finished 117 not out from 148 balls with 18 fours and a six.

After the hosts resumed on 27-0, acting Black Caps captain Chris Cairns rotated his attack in search of a breakthrough.

But Key was in majestic touch on a true surface, in warm sunshine.

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He used his feet to strike left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori to the cover rope at will and lofted the same bowler into the balcony of the home dressing room to move into the 80s.

Fulton gave charge to the left-arm spin of opening batsman Mark Richardson, and Brendan McCullum took advantage.

But new batsman Smith needed only take a single from eight balls faced as Key hit the winning runs with a slog-swept four half an hour after lunch.

Kent: D P Fulton (capt), R W T Key, E T Smith, M J Walker, M A Carberry, G O Jones, MM Patel, R Ferley, A Khan, D Stiff, A Sheriyar.