Kent Spitfires captain Sam Billings was pleased to see his side learning lessons in the Vitality Blast.
Having lost three matches in a row, the Spitfires got back to winning ways against South Group leaders Hampshire Hawks with an excellent seven-wicket success at Canterbury on Sunday.
It was a measured chase with the bat on a tricky pitch, with Billings again key to the outcome after a stunning 50 not out from just 21 balls to get his team over the line.
“It’s always learning,” said Billings. “You’ve got to look forward, of course.
“You’ve got to be honest in terms of reflection, which we are every single time, but to get the result and learn from previous disappointment, I thought it was brilliant.
“When we play well, when we get considerable scores, it’s all about that platform.
“Of course, it’s a game of risk and you need to take the game on. But the way we had that platform, it then allows the middle order to come in and impose themselves on the game, especially when you have so many wickets in hand going into the last 10 overs.
“Even Harry Finch, he was struggling through that middle phase and got bogged down, but he just didn’t give it away.
“At least then he keeps one end just ticking over and the other guys can impose themselves. It’s amazing, this game, because you don’t always have to have both batters going at the same time.
“We got a fifty partnership out of nowhere and the game all of a sudden, from 10.5 an over, went back down to under eight.
“Sometimes it’s just about a bit of batsmanship and getting those partnerships together, because especially with the dimensions and the conditions, you know you’re going to get a couple of big overs at the back end.”
Billings’ knock included successive lap sixes off England Test fast bowler Sonny Baker.
It was an over that cost 20 runs and put Kent firmly in control in the chase.
“Sonny’s obviously a huge talent and a great professional,” explained Billings.
“I love his attitude. I love what he’s about. I knew that his strength was to go blockhole and I thought if I can get him off that, get a couple away, all of a sudden he might pitch one in to go big over the leg side to that short boundary as well.
“That’s it, isn’t it? He knows what I’m going to try and do. I know what he’s trying to do and ultimately, it’s whoever comes out on top.
“It’s a skill battle. I came out on top, but in the return fixture at their place, I’m sure he’ll want some revenge.”
Billings also praised his bowlers after James Vince’s explosive 84 had Hampshire on course for a score in excess of 200.
Spitfires limited them to 176-6 with Grant Stewart bagging career-best T20 figures of 4-32.
“The character we showed in bowling to restrict them after the start they got, I thought we did really well,” stated Billings.
“Grant Stewart hasn’t necessarily bowled too many overs this year, but to bowl four on the spin and get four wickets was quality.
“As a team, it’s all about adapting. We had to find overs from all over the place. The conditions were so bizarre with the wind howling down.
“I thought the boys did fantastically well. Matt Milnes has been incredible in all formats since he’s come back to the club and was so composed at the top of his mark.
“I thought all the bowlers did really well to keep us in the game and keep it to a manageable total.”
