Somerset Clinch Thrilling T20 Blast Victory Over Hampshire in Record Chase
Somerset secured a dramatic victory over Hampshire in the T20 Blast final, pulling off a record-breaking run-chase thanks to a stellar performance by Will Smeed and crucial contributions from Sean Dickson and Lewis Gregory. The match, held at Edgbaston, saw Somerset claim their third Blast trophy, leveling them with Hampshire and Leicestershire.
Smeed's Masterclass and Somerset's Run Chase
Will Smeed played a match-winning innings, scoring 94 off 58 balls, supported by Tom Kohler-Cadmore's explosive start. Despite Kohler-Cadmore being dismissed by Sonny Baker, Smeed continued to anchor the innings. A crucial moment came when Scott Currie dropped Sean Dickson, allowing Somerset to maintain momentum. Lewis Gregory then sealed the victory with a flurry of boundaries in the final overs.
- Somerset chased down Hampshire's total of 194/6.
- Smeed hit 14 fours and one six in his innings.
- Gregory's late hitting ensured Somerset's victory with an over to spare.
Hampshire's Strong Start and Somerset's Resilience
Hampshire had a strong start to their innings, with James Vince and Toby Albert forging a partnership of 97. Albert, who was leading run scorer in 2025 Blast, contributed a well-made 85. However, Somerset's bowlers managed to restrict Hampshire in the later overs. Despite a solid score, Hampshire couldn't prevent Somerset's explosive batting lineup from chasing down the target. Hampshire struggled with a difficult week as they had earlier suffered point deductions in the County Championship.
Key Performances and Post-Match Reactions
Smeed's incredible innings earned him the player-of-the-match award. Gregory highlighted the team's depth and the ability of different players to step up in different games. The Somerset team expressed their joy and team spirit after a great win at a prestigious Edgbaston stadium.
"It's unbelievable...We've got match-winners one to 11. There's a lot of role clarity." - Will Smeed, Somerset Player.
The match showcased the excitement and unpredictability of T20 cricket, solidifying Somerset's position as a dominant force in the English T20 scene. The crowd was electric with both joy and fury at display in Edgbaston.