Stubbs Debut Knock Seals Hampshire Victory Over Essex

Result: Hampshire Hawks beat Essex Eagles, Scott Currie’s 4 wickets sealed it. Stubbs impact: His unbeaten 69 set up the home side for victory. Hawks pedigree: 3-time Blast winners (2010, 2012, 2022) with 10 Finals Day appearances. South African Stubbs had a quiet IPL for Delhi Capitals but grew through his innings before ending up with five sixes in a 42-ball 69. He had been assisted by Joe Weatherley and fellow overseas Hilton Cartwright in contrasting 64- and 84-run partnerships. The 201 set to win was always above par and Scott Currie's personal best 4 for 18 made sure that last year's runners-up Hampshire made it five home T20 wins over Essex in a row. T20 record: 3,188 runs in 154 T20s at 32.30, strike rate 142.95. Recent form: Over 600 IPL runs last 2 seasons for Delhi Capitals at 170 strike rate, avg 52. Connections: Strong links to Hampshire via Delhi Capitals and past coaches. Director of Cricket Giles White: “He's a wonderful addition… We can't wait to see him light up the Bowl”. Bottom line: Stubbs announced himself to Blast fans with a match-winning 69* on debut, backing up Hampshire’s decision to sign one of T20’s most destructive middle-order hitters. Scott Currie then took 4-for to finish the job vs Essex. Despite Benkenstein threatening to play a Stubbs' like innings he couldn't find a Weatherley or a Cartwright to go with him in his 31-ball 48. Currie returned with wickets in three successive overs to seal Essex's fate - with Noah Thain and Benkenstein caught swinging and Simon Fernandes bowled. Simon Harmer stuck some late sixes but the game had long since drifted out of Eagles' grasp.