Sam Billings was delighted with his career-best T20 score in Kent’s win over Hampshire at Beckenham on Friday.

Billings hit 95 not out from 54 balls in a knock that included seven fours and five maximums.

The Spitfires’ skipper led his side to a third victory in four matches to put his side top of the south group.

Billings said: “I’m chuffed to put a good score on the board. Heino Kuhn, Joe Denly and Daniel Bell-Drummond have already done that so it was my turn.

“Batting at four is an interesting phase. You have to take risks but not get out so it’s all encompassing really.

“When I play my best I give myself a bit of time and explode towards the end and that’s the template I use.

“My strength is to hit 360 and I know if I take the innings deep people are scared of bowling at me. It’s something to build upon now.”

Kent successfully defended their total of 210 with Mitch Claydon holding his nerve in the last over to give them a three run win.

Joe Denly took two wickets in the first over and Carlos Brathwaite got Sam Northeast out first ball to leave Hampshire struggling on 6-3.

Liam Dawson (75 not out from 43 balls) got his side close but Hampshire ended on 207-6.

Billings said: “It just shows you are never out of a game on these small grounds. In the Gloucester game the other day, on a small ground and quick outfield, we didn’t bat very well and got close.

“Here Hampshire didn’t bat well and got close. If they would have had one of their top four in we would have struggled to protect that score.

“You never know with these small ground. The outfield was arguably the quickest I’ve ever seen.

“We know with Hampshire that they are top heavy in terms of their batting so we knew we needed early wickets.

“Mitch Claydon and Carlos Brathwaite at the end were fantastic and Joe Denly keeps doing it with the new ball as well.

“The game is changing and pace off is so effective. People can ramp the quick bowlers and hit it 360, Joe is a big find for us and he’s bowling fantastically."

Billings had long discussions with Claydon throughout the final over with Hampshire needing 16 from the last six deliveries.

Billings added: “It’s very clear from my point of view that the bowler has to have absolute clarity in what he wants to do. He’s one of the best bowlers of a straight yorker and I back him 99 times out of 100 to nail that.

“Mitch has that experienced and has done it year after year. He’s so good at the death and is so consistent with it.

“He’s working on different skills and has different slower balls now. He keeps evolving and in T20 cricket you need to do that or people will catch you out.”