Thrilling 100-Ball Cricket Action: Somerset Demolish Hampshire in Vitality Blast Clash
In a scintillating display of 100-ball cricket, Somerset comfortably defeated Hampshire Hawks by 63 runs in their Vitality Blast encounter at Taunton. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the home side posted an impressive 241 for 5, their third-highest ever total in the competition.
The catalyst for Somerset’s impressive performance was a magnificent fourth-wicket stand of 144 runs in just 11.2 overs between captain Tom Abell (96* off 47 balls) and Sean Dickson (65 off 32 deliveries). This partnership eclipsed the previous Somerset record in the Blast for the fourth wicket, set in 2020 against Glamorgan.
“This partnership eclipsed the previous Somerset record in the Blast for the fourth wicket, set in 2020 against Glamorgan.”
Despite the early loss of key batters Will Smeed, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and Tom Banton, Abell and Dickson’s onslaught ensured the hosts maintained their momentum. Abell, in particular, was in scintillating form, smashing 12 fours and 3 sixes in his unbeaten knock, while Dickson also found the boundary on 10 occasions, including a towering six.
In response, Hampshire got off to a solid start, with openers Ben McDermott (46 off 28 balls) and James Vince putting on 65 in the powerplay. However, medium-pacer Ben Green turned the tide in Somerset’s favor, claiming a career-best 5 for 29, including the crucial wickets of McDermott and Vince.
As the required run rate continued to climb, Hampshire’s chase unraveled, and they were eventually bowled out for 178, handing the defending champions a convincing victory. This result puts Somerset back on track in their Vitality Blast title defense after successive group stage defeats on the road.
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