Canterbury, Aug 27 (IANS): Virat Kohli scored 78 as India pulled off a thrilling five-run victory over Kent in a rain-curtailed practice match Friday.

Put in, India scored a challenging 164 for six after the match was reduced to 20 overs a side because of rain at the St Lawrence ground. Kohli's smashing 53-ball knock had seven fours and three sixes.

Opener Joe Denly led Kent's challenge with a strokeful 68-ball 100. He got support from Martin van Jaarsveld (17) and Darren Stevens (17).

Denly, who has played five T20s and nine ODIs from England, was bowled seven balls before the end and Kent faltered at the final hurdle.

They needed eight runs off the last over off Munaf Patel (1/22), but fell short.

Left-arm seamer Rudra Pratap Singh was the most successful bowler, picking two wickets for 36 runs.

It was India's second victory in the warm-up match having defeated Sussex by six wickets.

Brief scores: India 164 for six (Virat Kohli 78, Rohit Sharma 30, R.Ashwin 23); Kent 159 for five (Joe Denly 100, Martin van Jaarsveld 17, Darren Stevens 17).