Sam Billings made a half-century on his IPL debut to help his Delhi Daredevils side to a 27-run win against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

In his first appearance in the 2016 tournament, Kent wicket-keeper batsman Billings came in with his side at 32/3, before putting on a vital partnership of 105 in 11.2 overs with Karun Nair (68).

Billings scored 54 from just 34 balls, firstly pushing ones and twos to get the scoreboard moving along, before finding the boundary more regularly later in his innings. The 24-year-old went to his half-century with a straight six off experienced left-arm wrist spinner Brad Hogg, before being bowled by India international fast bowler Umesh Yadav in the next over.

Billings knock eventually helped the Daredevils to reach a total of 186/8 from their 20 overs, before they dismissed their opponents for 159 with nine balls of the reply to spare; the eventual margin of victory 27 runs.

Kolkata Knight Riders looked on track to challenge the Delhi Daredevils total, reaching 151/5 in the 16th over, before five wickets fell in the last 10 balls to give Billings’ side, captained by experienced Indian left-armer Zaheer Khan, the victory.

The Kent man’s innings features three fours and two sixes; his partnership with Karun Nair changing the game after the Delhi side’s top three had all been dismissed cheaply.

Billings’ Daredevils teammate Carlos Brathwaite, a familiar name to many England cricket fans after his match-defining performance in the World T20 final earlier this month, was named man of the match. The 27-year-old West Indian made 34 from just 11 balls with the bat, before taking 3/47 with the ball in hand.

Billings will hope to have secured his place in the Delhi Daredevils XI with today’s performance, with the side’s next game taking place on Tuesday against Gujarat Lions, who currently sit atop the IPL table.

Speaking to television pundits about Billings’ performance, Delhi Daredevils captain Zaheer Khan said: “Sam Billings was brilliant. It was a difficult situation to bat in, the pressure was on, and he and Karun Nair got us in a winning position.”

Full scorecard available here.