Billings takes his chance with aplomb Cricket

Sam Billings produced a manof-the-match performance as England beat the West Indies in the second T20 International in St Kitts on Friday night. The Kent captain hit a careerbest 87 as England recovered from 32-4 to post 182-6 in 20 overs. England then skittled out their hosts for just 45 in less than 12 overs to win by 137 runs. Kent captain Billings has not been given a regular chance in either of England’s one-day teams since making his debut in 2015. But he took his opportunity perfectly this time around, consolidating the innings alongside Test captain Joe Root before going big in the final few overs. “It was a nice situation that I could give myself a bit of time,” said Billings. “It was just good to spend some time in the middle, I really enjoyed it.” Kent team-mate Joe Denly (2) was among those to be dismissed early on but Billings and Root steadied the ship by putting on 82 in just over 10 overs. When Root was run out, 27-year-old Billings took centre stage. He went on to smash 10 fours and three sixes in his 47-ball knock. He was particularly brutal to debutant Obed Mccoy’s last over of the innings, hitting 22 runs before being caught behind off the final ball. The knock will enhance Billings’ outside chances of making England’s World Cup squad this summer in the 50-over format of the game. Denly and Billings were not needed with the bat as England won the final T20 International on Sunday by eight wickets. Denly had earlier taken 1-14 in two overs with his leg spin