James Rew delivered a breathtaking performance, smashing an unbeaten career-best 116 off just 56 balls to guide Somerset to an 18-run victory over rivals Gloucestershire in the Vitality Blast at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.
Fresh from making his England Test debut earlier this month, the 22-year-old dazzled with 14 fours and 5 sixes as Somerset posted a commanding total of 194-7. Earlier in the match, D’Arcy Short contributed with both bat and ball, taking 3-24 and then top-scoring with a quickfire 59 off 34 balls, giving Somerset a strong platform.
Gloucestershire, who won the toss, started well by removing openers Tom Banton and Will Smeed swiftly, but struggled in the middle overs after promising starts from Kamran Dharival (38 off 20) were stifled by Riley Meredith’s tight bowling, which yielded 3-30. Gloucestershire finished 176-7.
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The innings took a dramatic turn when Somerset’s Tom Kohler-Cadmore was dismissed at 47-3, and things worsened as Gloucestershire’s Marchant de Lange continued his threat with wickets, reducing Somerset to 98-5 by the halfway mark. However, Rew capitalized on a dropped catch early in his innings and launched a ferocious counterattack, scoring a quick 50 in 23 balls with six fours and two sixes.
Rew’s century, the second quickest in Somerset’s T20 history behind Johann Myburgh’s 42-ball ton, was a stunning display of power and precision. He added a vital 47 runs in partnership with Craig Overton for the seventh wicket, ensuring Somerset reached a formidable total.
Chasing 195, Gloucestershire started aggressively, with D’Arcy Short and Miles Hammond putting up a strong 79-run partnership. However, wickets fell at crucial moments, and Somerset’s bowlers regained control. Goldsworthy and Meredith picked up key wickets, culminating in a crucial spell from Meredith that ended Gloucestershire’s hopes.
Post-match, James Rew said, “Gloucestershire have been tough opponents in recent years, so this win is especially satisfying. T20 cricket can turn on a moment of luck, and being dropped early definitely helped me settle. I’m still learning the format and gaining confidence with every match. Reaching the second quickest century for Somerset is a highlight — I remember watching Myburgh’s innings as a kid.”
Gloucestershire captain Jack Taylor reflected, “It was a chaotic match with moments of brilliance and moments we’d rather forget. We bowled well early on, taking important wickets, but James Rew’s innings was the difference. We dropped a key catch and allowed him to build momentum. The middle overs didn’t go our way, and although Kamran hit some big shots late, it wasn’t enough. We have tough games ahead and need to bounce back.”