Edgbaston erupted as Somerset secured their third Vitality Blast title in a historic final thriller against Hampshire Hawks, powered by Will Smeed’s 94—a career-defining innings that orchestrated the highest successful chase in tournament history. This gripping showdown saw rising stars become legends, tactical brilliance collide with raw power, and Somerset cement their status as England’s T20 powerhouse through eitherves of steel and explosive teamwork.
Will Smeed’s 94: A Blueprint for T20 Greatness
Facing Hampshire’s record 194-6 in a Blast final, Somerset’s chase seemed improbable—until Will Smeed’s 94 transformed from explosive start into a masterclass of calculated aggression. The 22-year-old opener blended 14 fours and one colossal six with razor-sharp strike rotation across 58 balls, showcasing a maturity beyond his years. After tearing through the powerplay with partner Tom Kohler-Cadmore (46 off 20), Smeed navigated Hampshire’s bowling squeeze by threading gaps like a seasoned tactician during the critical middle overs.
The turning point came in the 14th over when Scott Currie shelled a regulation catch off Sean Dickson, gifting Somerset crucial momentum. That miss flipped a switch, Smeed later revealed. Suddenly, we tasted blood. His ensuing assault—20 runs off 11 balls after the drop—pulverized Hampshire’s morale until his heart-stopping departure at 176/4, just six runs shy of a fairytale century.
Gregory’s Gambit: Leadership When It Mattered
With 18 needed off 10 balls after Will Smeed’s 94 exit, captain Lewis Gregory scripted his own climax. The all-rounder annihilated Brad Wheal’s penultimate over—two atomic sixes soaring over leg side—to seal victory with six balls left. Gregory’s 16*(5) wasn’t just closure; it epitomized Somerset’s enviable depth.
This squad breeds match-winners from 1 through 11, Smeed emphasized post-match. Lewis bailed us out today, but tomorrow it could be Banton smashing centuries or Green dismantling attacks. Their third consecutive final appearance underscores Somerset’s T20 dynasty—a blend of strategic recruitment and clutch-gene cultivation.
Hampshire’s Agony: When Brilliance Wasn’t Enough
While Will Smeed’s 94 stole headlines, Toby Albert’s 85(48) nearly rewrote the script for Hampshire. The tournament’s top scorer (633 runs) treated fans to audacious reverse scoops and monstrous sixes, forging a 112-run stand with James Vince (52) that appeared impregnable. Teen sensation Sonny Baker (1-27) later threatened Somerset with wicket-taking yorkers and 90mph rockets.
We lost by millimeters, lamented coach Adrian Birrell. That dropped catch became the razor-thin margin between glory and despair. Take nothing from Will though—that innings under siege was pure class.
Somerset’s Redemption Arc
This victory exorcized 2024’s final demons against the same opponents, completing a season defined by resilience. Their path included skipper Tom Abell’s miraculous final-over defense in the quarterfinals and Kohler-Cadmore’s semi-final heroics. By becoming the first county to contest three straight finals, Somerset redefined T20 excellence.
Three titles prove our process works, Gregory declared, hoisting the trophy. We prioritize the Blast like no other county—every training drill, every analyst’s report sharpens us for these moments.
Final Flourish: T20 Cricket’s New Blueprint
Beyond Will Smeed’s 94, this final showcased cricket’s evolution:
– Data-Driven Warfare: Precision field placements turned certain boundaries into dot balls
– Hyper-Specialized Bowling: Death-over specialists versus powerplay enforcers
– Next-Gen Talent: Albert (21) and Baker (19) announcing England credentials
– Adapt or Die: Smeed’s mid-innings gear shift highlighting modern batting IQ
With 44 sixes painting the Birmingham sky, this wasn’t merely a match—it was a manifesto for T20’s future. Will Smeed’s 94 now sits among Blast folklore not just for its 195-chase context, but for its demonstration that swagger and smarts must coexist in cricket’s fastest format. As fireworks lit Edgbaston, Somerset’s triumph echoed a truth: dynasties aren’t built on talent alone, but on mastering pressure when immortality beckons.
