South African star blasts unbeaten 69 while Scott Currie’s four-for seals dominant win

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Tristan Stubbs announced himself in style for Hampshire Hawks with an unbeaten 69 off 42 balls as the hosts defeated Essex Eagles in a high-scoring Vitality Blast clash.

After a quiet IPL stint with Delhi Capitals, Stubbs found his rhythm beautifully, smashing five sixes and anchoring Hampshire’s late assault. He first rebuilt the innings alongside Joe Weatherley in a steady 64-run stand before exploding in the death overs with fellow overseas batter Hilton Cartwright.

At 80 for 3 midway through the innings, Hampshire were struggling for momentum. But Stubbs and Cartwright completely changed the tempo, hammering 84 runs in the final 37 deliveries to push the total to a daunting 200-plus.

Earlier, captain James Vince looked fluent before falling to Charlie Bennett, while Tom Prest also departed cheaply. Weatherley’s composed knock helped stabilise things before Stubbs took charge.

The South African launched a brutal attack in the closing overs, especially against Luc Benkenstein and Wiaan Mulder, as Hampshire plundered 70 runs in the final four overs.

Essex never truly recovered in the chase. Mark Wood struck early to remove Paul Walter and Matt Critchley, while Scott Currie delivered the decisive blows with a superb 4 for 18.

Benkenstein fought back with an entertaining 48 off 31 balls, but lacked support as wickets kept tumbling. Currie wrapped up the contest with wickets in three successive overs, leaving Essex well short despite some late hitting from Simon Harmer.