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Summary Reigning champions Hampshire lost for the first time in the Twenty20 Cup this season.
They lost despite Shahid Afridi making his debut for the county, as they suffered a 26-run defeat at Essex on Thursday.Former Pakistan captain Afridis first match for Hampshire had been long delayed as a result of a dispute with his home board that saw Pakistan Cricket Board officials refuse to authorise him to play county cricket in England.At Chelmsford, the leg-spinner produced an excellent spell of one for 23 in his maximum four overs.Despite a stylish fifty from James Vince, Hampshire struggled to keep up with the required run-rate and were almost out of the match when Afridi took guard at number six.Afridi managed just two runs before, backing away outside leg stump, he was bowled by left-arm spinner Tim Phillips, who finished with four for 29.
