DARYL Mitchell and Joe Clarke powered Worcestershire into the Specsavers County Championship Division Two promotion places as they overcame Kent by four wickets at New Road with a stunning run pursuit.

Mitchell scored his fourth century in the last five Championship matches as the hosts galloped to their 399 target and achieved the third highest successful chase in their history with 19.1 overs left.

The former captain is enjoying a purple patch as he followed his 120 against Derbyshire, 161 at Northamptonshire and 121 off Sussex with another superb contribution.

Mitchell employed the cut shot to deadly effect and was seldom troubled in helping the County to chalk up their fifth win in seven league games this season.

He was given excellent support by Moeen Ali and Clarke who has recaptured his form with a vengeance by scoring two centuries in a Championship match for the first time in his blossoming career.

It was just the tonic the County needed after the departure of Tom Kohler-Cadmore to Yorkshire, two successive Championship defeats and a Royal London One-Day Cup semi-final thrashing.

The game was another excellent advert for the competition and see-sawed both ways before Mitchell and co tipped the balance in the home side's favour after largely negating the threat of Pakistan wrist spinner Yasir Shah.

Shah (5-132) finally sent Mitchell on his way for 142 from 243 balls with 20 boundaries after a stand of 175 in 38.2 overs with Clarke.

He departed to a standing ovation around New Road after another invaluable knock and then Clarke ensured victory with 110 not out.

Worcestershire resumed on 16-0 and openers Brett D'Oliveira and Mitchell extended their partnership to 52 before the former on 27 was bowled by a fine delivery from Darren Stevens that nipped back.

The occasional ball misbehaved off a length from the Diglis End but Mitchell and Moeen scored freely during a stand of 112 in 22 overs.

An under-hit pull led to Moeen's downfall in the first innings but he profited from the stroke in reaching his half-century off 47 balls.

The pair looked so much in control that it was a surprise when Moeen (63) aimed to work Shah on the leg side and was lbw to the last ball before lunch.

Clarke joined forces with Mitchell and maintained the required tempo throughout the afternoon session.

The England Lions player went into the game without a Championship half-century to his name this season but all his rich promise and potential returned.

After Mitchell's departure there was a slight concern as Shah struck twice more in dismissing George Rhodes (2) and Ben Cox (2).

But Clarke kept his nerve, passing three figures off 115 balls with 14 fours and a six, and some typical aggressive shots from Ross Whiteley (29), including two sixes, effectively sealed the win before he became Shah's fifth victim with two runs needed.