Big-hitting Billings right back in the groove

Kent Spitfires sneaked a dramatic eight-run win against Hampshire to get their NatWest T20 Blast South Group campaign back on track on Wednesday night. Daniel Bell-Drummond and Joe Denly (59) continued their impressive form, putting on 96 for the opening wicket in 62 balls. Denly reached his 20th T20 half-century from just 30 balls and passed 3,000 T20 career runs before holing out to Liam Dawson off Tino Best, who got Bell-Drummond to play on for 35 soon after. There was a welcome return to form for Sam Billings who smashed an unbeaten 55 from 30 balls and added 94 for the third wicket with Sam Northeast (38) as Kent posted 193-3 on a slow track. The hosts then stifled the life out of the visitors – who had won five straight at Canterbury – with some fine bowling and fielding, taking wickets regularly to put themselves in charge with Hampshire 71- 4 at the midway point and only Sean Ervine (56 from 34 balls) looking a threat. Ivan Thomas produced a stand-out performance, claiming 1-24 from four overs, while James Tredwell accounted for England T20 rival Dawson caught-andbowled for his 1- 40. However, with 100 runs needed from the final eight overs, Shahid Afridi came to the fore and hit 35 from 17 balls including four sixes to change the course of the game. Although the wickets continued to fall, West Indies star Darren Sammy added 30 from 17 balls to take the game to the final over with 14 runs required for victory. However, superb death bowling against his former club from David Griffiths (2-24 off four) ensured Kent picked up their second win in their fourth South Group fixture.