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XtraTime Web Desk: Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) management will look a satisfied lot after watching England’s new sensation Tom Banton’s whirlwind knock against Pakistan in the rain washed 1st T20I against Pakistan at Old Trafford on Friday. The way Banton played Pakistan's spinners for his maiden T20 half-century was an encouraging sign for KKR ahead of the 13th edition of IPL which starts from September 19.

Opening the batting with Jonny Bairstow, who was removed in the first over, Banton was offered some early good fortune as he was dropped by Iftikhar Ahmed when he was on just five.The 21-year-old cashed in, making 71 off 42 deliveries to add his name to England's list of explosive top-order talent in limited-overs cricket.

Reflecting on his innings and how much it may have boosted his hopes of playing in next year's T20 World Cup, Banton said, "A knock like this has given me a bit more confidence I can do it at this level.

"When the white-ball side is at full strength I'm probably not going to break into it. I am just going to keep trying to score runs and put other guys under pressure and we'll see how it goes from there.

"I don't want to look too far ahead as there is a lot of cricket to be played - it's one innings, I could go duck, duck the next two.

On being asked a string of good performances can seal a spot in the England squad for the T20 World Cup next year in India, Banton said, "But I'm just going to try to score as many runs as possible and make it difficult for the selectors not to pick me."