Kiran Carlson lit up the Vitality Blast with a breathtaking 42-ball century, leading Glamorgan to their first victory of the tournament by cruising past Somerset with seven wickets to spare at Sophia Gardens.
The Glamorgan captain replicated the brilliance of his sole other T20 century, which was a record-breaking 135 against Somerset in Cardiff two years ago. This time, Carlson finished unbeaten on 109 runs, steering his side home with authority.
Despite a shaky start, Carlson capitalized on a revamped Glamorgan squad featuring new faces, including Jimmy Neesham making his debut for the team in a contest against an injury-hit Somerset side that until then had remained unbeaten.
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Support came from debutant Nathan McAndrew and leg-spinner Mason Crane, whose effective bowling figures of 4 for 15 and 3 for 42 respectively helped suppress Somerset’s lineup. Somerset’s explosive opener Tom Banton smashed 59 off just 25 balls, putting Glamorgan’s bowlers under pressure early on.
Banton started aggressively, delivering a productive powerplay for Somerset. However, Glamorgan fought back effectively. Josh Thomas’s T20 debut for Somerset began with an impressive boundary against Ben Kellaway’s off-spin, but Banton’s dominance continued as he punished bowlers, including a swift 21-ball half-century marked by two big sixes.
Glamorgan’s breakthrough came with McAndrew taking key wickets to halt Somerset’s momentum. Despite starts from James and Thomas Rew, Tom Abell, and Daniel Sams, none could match Banton’s blistering pace.
After a strong first half by Somerset, Glamorgan clawed their way back with tight bowling and fielding discipline. McAndrew finished the innings with crucial wickets, exploiting Somerset’s inexperienced middle and lower order.
In reply, Carlson’s innings began cautiously but quickly gathered momentum. Many of his early runs came from well-placed edges racing to the boundary, exploiting gaps around the field. Will Smale contributed early with a stylish four, setting the tone for a steady chase.
Carlson’s brilliance shone as he raced to his half-century and then to the century, hitting memorable sixes off Lewis Goldsworthy and Josh Shaw. His innings combined skill and composure, only briefly aided by good fortune, including the missed direct hit by Somerset when Carlson was on 14.
A late flurry of wickets brought tension, but Sean Dickson’s timely runs secured Glamorgan’s victory against the defending champions. Carlson’s masterclass ensured the Welsh side celebrated a dominant and morale-boosting win.