Dawid Malan celebrated his first game as Middlesex’s T20 skipper with a classy knock of 93 as his side hammered Hampshire by 69 runs.

Malan led by example at the top of the order with an innings that included 10 fours and five sixes to set up Middlesex’s victory in their opening South group match at Uxbridge.

The left-hander, who was named man of the match, hit Tino Best for four successive boundaries early on as he shared half-century partnerships with Adam Voges (23) and John Simpson (15).

But Middlesex’s momentum was halted when Malan chopped Gareth Andrew to fly slip – and Simpson and Ryan Higgins (3) both fell to Shahid Afridi (2-27) in the following over.

James Franklin (22 not out) and Toby Roland-Jones (14no) batted sensibly to ensure that the home side made their way up to 195-6 at the end of their 20 overs.

Substitute fielder Nathan Sowter produced a magnificent diving catch at third man to remove Jimmy Adams (11) when Hampshire replied, but Adam Wheater struck a quick 30 before he fell to Toby Roland-Jones.

Roland-Jones sent Sean Ervine’s middle stump flying with his next delivery and, when Michael Carberry (15) skied Harry Podmore into the hands of Simpson, the visitors were wobbling at 63-4.

Afridi (8) was run out by James Fuller’s accurate throw from the boundary soon afterwards and Ravi Patel (2-27) then dismissed Ryan McLaren (3) and Will Smith (0) in successive balls, reducing Hampshire to 77-7.

Liam Dawson salvaged some pride for his team, blazing 46 from 29 balls, but Middlesex clinched victory with almost five overs to spare as the visitors were bowled out for 126.