Billings was named Man of the Match for his career-best knock of 53

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings smashed a career-best 53 to lead his side to a 14-run win over Pakistan in the first Twenty20 International in Dubai.

England captain Eoin Morgan would have been pondering over his decision to bat first after Jason Roy, Alex Hales and Moeen Ali were all dismissed in quick succession.

With England struggling at 19/3, Morgan and debutant James Vince steered the innings back on track with a 76-run partnership before Vince was clean bowled by Wahab Riaz for 41.

Morgan and Billings kept the runs flowing with a 65-run stand, during which Billings brought up his half-century, before he was run out by Sarfraz Ahmed for 53 off 25 balls, which included five boundaries and two sixes.

Morgan ended up making 45 off 38 deliveries, which included three boundaries and a six, as England finished on 160/5 off their 20 overs.

Sohail Tanvir was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Riaz and Anwar Ali chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Chasing 161 to win, Pakistan were reduced to 75/7 in the 12th over, but their lower order batsmen launched a counter-attack to bring them back into contention.

However, despite Ali, Tanvir and Riaz all contributing with decent scores, it was not enough to see Pakistan across the finish line as they were bowled out for 146.

Reece Topley and Liam Plunkett snapped up three wickets apiece, while Stephen Parry took two and Ali claimed one.

Billing was named Man of the Match.