BIG-HITTING Ben McDermott revealed his ruthless nature to “kill the game” as Hampshire strolled to a nine-wicket victory at Middlesex.

Set 143 to win in the T20 Blast at Radlett, Aussie star McDermott smashed 83 from 30 deliveries to ensure the Hawks recorded back-to-back wins in the South Group.

McDermott and skipper James Vince (54no) once again set the record opening partnership for Hampshire with a stand of 132.

McDermott said: “We’re starting to play more positive cricket and the boys bowled fantastically.

“It’s well-known how small the ground is here and normally how good a wicket it is, but in the middle we thought it was actually a par score on that wicket.

“I thought Liam Dawson was fantastic throughout the middle period and the other guys chipped in as well – it was a good performance all round.

“We got off to a good powerplay and I just thought ‘I’m going to keep going here’ and try and kill the game, which I was lucky enough to do.

“I sort of mishit a couple of those for six and got a bit lucky at times with the wind swirling around and making the boundary even shorter. We’ve got to get on a little bit of a roll now and keep winning games.”

Hampshire take on Essex Eagles at the Ageas Bowl tomorrow.