Record Chase Seals Third Title as Hampshire Denied Fourth Crown
Edgbaston, Birmingham — Somerset pulled off a record-breaking chase in the final of the English T20 Blast on Saturday, thanks to a sensational innings by Will Smeed, who guided his side to victory over Hampshire with a fearless knock of 94 off 58 balls.
Set a daunting target of 195, Somerset finished on 195-4, completing the highest successful chase in a T20 Blast final. The win also marked Somerset’s third T20 Blast title, bringing them level with Hampshire and Leicestershire in the all-time winners’ list.
Late Fireworks Seal the Win
Despite Smeed falling early in the 19th over with 18 still required, Somerset skipper Lewis Gregory delivered under pressure, hammering two massive sixes to wrap up the chase with style. Gregory’s late burst ensured Somerset’s redemption after their heartbreaking defeat in last year’s final against Gloucestershire.
Supporting Smeed’s heroics was Sean Dickson, who remained unbeaten on 33, capitalising on a dropped catch when he was on just 8. The duo built a steady partnership that laid the foundation for the historic chase.
“This is unbelievable. You work hard all season for a moment like this,” Smeed told the BBC. “The ball really flies under the lights here, and with the dew coming in, we always knew we had a chance. It was some proper hitting from Lewis at the end as well.”
Hampshire Fall Short Despite Strong Start
Earlier, Hampshire posted a competitive 194-6, led by Toby Albert’s explosive 85 off 48 balls, making him the tournament’s leading run-scorer. James Vince, who added a valuable 52, praised Somerset’s performance, admitting, “They’ve been quality throughout. We played some really good cricket, but they were too good for us tonight.”
The defeat denies Hampshire a record fourth T20 Blast title, though they still have a shot at silverware in the 50-over One-Day Cup final against Worcestershire at Trent Bridge next week.
Somerset’s win adds to their previous titles in 2005 and 2023, solidifying their status as one of the competition’s most consistent teams.
