Burly all-rounder Ian Blackwell blasted an unbeaten 86 to guide Somerset to a superb six-wicket victory at Taunton.

The home side looked in trouble at 91-4 chasing Hampshire's 221, which began and ended badly and was indebted to Nic Pothas (55) and Dimi Mascarenhas (53).

After Marcus Trescothick and Justin Langer fell cheaply, Somerset needed 130 from the final 20 overs.

Blackwell hit a six and 11 fours in an unbroken 132 with John Francis as victory came with 14 balls to spare.

Dimi Mascarenhas on Hants defeat

Pothas hit two sixes off Blackwell in reaching his half-century off 48 balls before being run out by a combination of throws from James Hildreth and Trescothick.

Mascarenhas played calmly at first and was just starting to hit out when brilliantly caught by Justin Langer at wide mid-on.

Blackwell and former Hampshire batsman Francis also played sensibly at the start of their partnership.

Blackwell quickly found his timing and struck some sweet shots to reach fifty from 41 balls, timing the run chase to perfection.