A depleted Middlesex were thrashed by Hampshire at Lord’s to all but extinguish their chances of progress in the T20 Blast.
Missing five regulars, Middlesex failed to complete their full complement of 20 overs, with Stevie Eskinazi the only batsman to pass 25 in a meagre total of 136 all out.
Rilee Roussouw’s half-century ensured Hampshire coasted to a six-wicket victory with 15 balls to spare.
The out-of-form Nick Gubbins (4) was the first Middlesex batsman to depart, spooning Chris Wood to mid-on, but Eskinazi (43) found some rhythm as he laid into the spin of Mason Crane.
Middlesex were pegged back when George Bailey’s diving catch removed John Simpson (16) and Crane then took his revenge on Eskinazi, who misjudged the line and was bowled.
Stand-in captain Eoin Morgan appeared well set, rattling up 22 from 14 balls before he dragged on from Wood (2-26).
And, when Roussouw’s sharp throw from backward point accounted for Adam Voges (14), the home side’s innings ground to a halt.
Hampshire skipper James Vince began his side’s chase with a quick 20 from 13 balls before a slower delivery from Tom Helm (1-30) flicked his off bail.
The visitors then lost Tom Alsop (10) and Bailey (3) to run-outs, but Roussouw kept his head, accumulating singles and dispatching the bad balls as he steered his side towards their target.
The South African struck 60 before eventually perishing to a top edge that earned Tom Barber (1-32) his first senior wicket – yet that only delayed the inevitable and Sean Ervine (23*) saw Hampshire home.
This post was last modified on 03/08/2017