Somerset Secure Thrilling Last-Over Victory Against Hampshire to Return to Winning Ways

Somerset returned to winning form in the Vitality Blast with a nail-biting last-over victory over Hampshire Hawks. Following a defeat to Glamorgan on Friday, this win on Sunday keeps Somerset safely atop the table and edging closer to securing a knockout spot.

Sean Dickson led Somerset’s charge with a brilliant 52, anchoring an 89-run fourth-wicket partnership alongside Tom Abell. Despite a collapse with wickets falling rapidly, the visitors faced a tense finish, needing 23 runs off the final two overs and 11 runs off the last over. However, Ben Green and Lewis Goldsworthy held their nerve to cross the finish line with just one ball remaining.

Earlier in the innings, Hampshire’s James Vince and Joe Weatherley put on an imposing 141-run stand, scoring 82 and 60 respectively. Their partnership was just three runs shy of Hampshire’s all-time record against Somerset. The Hawks posted a strong total of 178 after Vince was dismissed with the innings’s final ball.

Somerset’s decision to bowl first, led by acting captain Tom Kohler-Cadmore, paid dividends early as Hampshire struggled in the opening overs. However, Vince and Weatherley rebuilt impressively, preventing a wider margin.

Chasing 179, Somerset lost early wickets with Tom Banton caught mid-off and Will Smeed dismissed behind the stumps. Kohler-Cadmore was clean bowled by Liam Dawson, but Dickson and Abell steadied the innings with their solid partnership. Dickson reached his second fifty of the season off just 30 balls, showcasing his aggressive intent.

Within a short span, both Dickson and Abell fell, with Abell falling to a brilliant caught-and-bowled from Scott Currie when 36 runs were still needed. Despite losing Tom Lammonby in the penultimate over, the duo of Green and Goldsworthy kept Somerset’s hopes alive. Green shifted momentum with a towering six over midwicket on the third ball of the final over and sealed the thrilling victory with a ball to spare.