For the second time in three years, Somerset has triumphed as Vitality T20 Blast champions — sealing a thrilling victory with a record-breaking 195-run chase against the Hampshire Hawks.
On their fifth consecutive finals day appearance, Will Smeed’s exceptional 94 off 58 balls anchored Somerset’s innings. Sean Dickson played a crucial unbeaten 33, helping chase down the target with an over to spare. Despite Smeed’s dismissal early in the 19th over with 18 runs still needed, captain Lewis Gregory powered the team home with two decisive sixes, scoring an unbeaten 18 off just five balls.
This victory marks Somerset’s third T20 Blast title, joining Hampshire and Leicestershire in achieving this feat, adding to their wins in 2005 and 2023. With 14 wins from 17 T20 matches this season, Jason Kerr’s side proved once again their knack for delivering under pressure, sealing the trophy during their 150th anniversary year.
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Gregory reflected on the win, telling Sky Sports, “We like doing it the hard way. After their strong powerplay, chasing 190, the boys did an awesome job. We kept close, knowing one big over would bring us back. The lads in the middle navigated that perfectly. I’m really proud — we have match-winners all through the squad who step up when it matters.”
Smeed, speaking to BBC Radio Five Live Sports Extra, said, “It’s unbelievable. You work hard all season, and to finally get over the line feels amazing. The conditions here help the ball fly, especially under lights with the dew. Lewis’s hitting at the end was phenomenal. It almost felt like a home crowd with all the support. We have match-winners from one to eleven, and tonight it showed.”
This marked Smeed’s first big knock in a knockout game, a milestone he plans to build on, but for now, he intends to celebrate alongside his teammates.
Hampshire’s impressive batting display, led by Toby Albert’s 85 off 48 balls—the competition’s top run-scorer—set a challenging target of 194-6. Captain James Vince contributed a powerful 52 with three sixes, while Benny Howell added a quick 26 not out. However, Hampshire’s quest for a fourth Blast title was thwarted by Somerset’s relentless chase.
Somerset opener Tom Kohler-Cadmore shared his joy with Sky Sports: “Finishing the campaign like this is incredible. Will, Sean, and Lewis played wonderfully. It’s been a special year for me, and winning this trophy for the fans means the world — especially after falling short last year.”
Sean Dickson praised Smeed’s perseverance, saying, “Will has worked so hard for his moment across all these Finals Days, and today he finally had it. Lewis Gregory’s final over was unbelievable. The team’s self-belief and trust in the process made this day truly remarkable.”
Somerset’s emphatic win not only adds to their prestigious legacy but also underscores their resilience and talent as they continue to be a dominant force in T20 cricket.