LIAM Dawson reckons the revised Duckworth-Lewis target he helped chase down in such clinical fashion was in Hampshire’s favour.

It did not appear that way when, after being forced off the field for two hours, Hampshire were given a total of 26 overs to make 202.

They were already 12-1 after 4.1 overs, having done well to keep Middlesex to 295-8 from their 50 overs.

Suddenly they had an eight-an-over target on their hands. But the time lost effectively turned the match into a T20 chase - and Dawson’s experience helped prove the difference.

“The rain probably helped us in a way and we took advantage of that,” said Dawson. “It was a great win, especially as we’ve been struggling a bit in one-day cricket lately. Getting over the line gives us massive confidence.

“We needed a win and hopefully this gives us some momentum.”

Dawson’s unbeaten 68 is his sixth fifty in his last eight Royal London One-Day Cup innings, from which he has an aggreate of 462 runs at an average of 92.4.

It is an incredible record that, together with his improved bowling, must make him a serious England 50-over candidate.

The 26 year-old believes he is an even better player than the one who impressed so much after returning from his loan at Essex last July, following a winter with the England Lions and England’s World T20 squad.

“I’ve got a lot better, my game awareness has improved,” continued Dawson, who also made 70 not out in Sunday’s defeat against Essex.

Playing so well in every facet of the game in front of England limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan will have done him on harm.

“I had a bit of luck, I edged a couple to third man but you need a few to go your way,” he said. “I always back myself in one-day cricket and quite enjoy this competition, the first two have gone well for me.

“We were looking at chasing 340-plus at one stage so to keep them below 300 was a massive boost.

“It was a great effort from everyone in the field and Jimmy [Adams] got us off to a great start.”

Aided by a wicket that encouraged turn, Dawson delivered his most economical 50-over performance (10-0-32-1) in tandem with spin twin Mason Crane.

“We complement each other very well,” added Dawson. “Mason will always take wickets but people need to be patient with him.”