BABAR Azam smashed his first Vitality Blast century, and highest career T20 score, to set up a 63-run DLS win for Somerset over Hampshire on Friday night.

Pakistan star Babar is the leading run-scorer in the Blast and now has 425 runs in eight innings in the competition this season, 99 more than nearest rival D’Arcy Short.

His remarkable 102 not out from 55 balls - with seven fours and six sixes - helped take Somerset above Hampshire into fifth place in the South Group table, having followed up Wednesday night's win at Essex with this victory at the Ageas Bowl.

The hosts won the toss and had early joy as Chris Wood dismissed Tom Banton in his first over.

And it was 37-2 when James Hildreth departed, but after two short rain delays Babar and Tom Abell upped the scoring rate with some well-timed shots.

Their 50 partnership came up in 34 balls, and soon both had their own individual half-centuries - Abell's first in T20 cricket.

Abell eventually went for 57, and was soon followed by Eddie Byrom, but Tom Lammonby added an eight-ball 16no late on.

There was no denying the star of the show, however.

Babar had shown placement and skilful execution on his way to 50, but then turned on the power - his second 50 coming from just 23 balls.

He sent sixes flying over deep midwicket, point, cover and then, off the last ball of the innings, another over square leg to bring up his ton and take Somerset to 202-4.

Hampshire's reply wilted almost immediately, as Lammonby's direct hit ran out Rilee Roussouw in the second over.

Outrageous catches from Max Waller, Banton and Roelof van der Merwe saw wickets fall at regular intervals - and when Sam Northeast (16) departed at 59-6, it was as good as game over.

Heavy rain then set in with eight overs to go, giving Somerset the win by 63 runs using the D/L method.

Skipper Tom Abell said afterwards: “It was another really clinical performance, similar to the one against Essex on Wednesday - the game took a similar pattern.

“We have batted well in the first innings in both matches and put a lot of pressure on the opposition and it was backed up in the field with some outstanding catches.

“We are starting to build some momentum in the competition.

“You can see that Babar is No.1 in the world for a reason. He is playing a different game to the rest of us.

“The shots he plays and how cleanly he hits the ball, for younger guys it is amazing to be up the other end and in the changing room.

“Some of the shots he plays just take your breath away.

“The beauty of Babar is he plays proper cricket shots all the way through and we can bat around him.

“T20 doesn’t come as naturally to me so I am trying to develop my skills and game; luckily tonight I got a few away and developed a nice partnership with Babar.

“I was happy to play second fiddle to Babar though!”

It's a quick turnaround for Somerset, who face Kent at Taunton tomorrow (7pm start), as the second part of a double-header with Western Storm's match against Lancashire Thunder (3pm).