Tristan Stubbs smashed an unbeaten 69 off 42 balls, just hours after returning from the IPL, to lead Hampshire Hawks to their first T20 Blast win of the season, defeating Essex Eagles by 30 runs.
Stubbs, who had a quiet IPL stint with Delhi Capitals, exploded with five sixes and three fours as Hampshire posted 200-4 after being put in to bat. Joe Weatherley (32) and Hilton Cartwright (42*) contributed with partnerships of 64 and 84, respectively.
Essex's chase faltered early, with Scott Currie taking a career-best 4-18 to restrict them to 170-7. Luc Benkenstein threatened with a quick 48 off 31 balls but lacked support.
Hampshire's innings was a tale of two halves: struggling at 80-3 halfway, then hammering 120 runs in the last 10 overs. Stubbs and Cartwright added 84 in the final 37 balls, with Stubbs targeting Benkenstein for two sixes and Cartwright clubbing 22 off Wiaan Mulder's over.
Essex's powerplay was stifled by Chris Wood (2-28) and Currie, who removed Michael Pepper and then struck three times in three overs to seal the win. Simon Harmer's late sixes were in vain as Essex slipped to a second straight loss.