Asked to bat first, Somerset started their innings with a moderate total of 145 runs for the loss of ten wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Sean Dickson was the standout performer for Somerset, scoring a brilliant half-century of 53 runs off just 35 deliveries, supported by seven boundaries. Tom Banton (20) and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (19) also made valuable contributions to the team’s total. Among the Essex bowlers, Shane Snater was the pick of the bunch, claiming three wickets for a mere 13 runs in his quota of four overs. Paul Walter and Daniel Sams also contributed well with three and one wickets, respectively.
In reply, Essex struggled to find momentum and lost wickets at regular intervals. Despite some brief contributions from Adam Rossington (19) and Daniel Sams (45), they couldn’t build significant partnerships to anchor the innings. Matt Henry proved to be the hero for Somerset with a remarkable bowling spell, claiming four crucial wickets for just 24 runs in his 3.3 overs. Lewis Gregory (2 wickets) and Ish Sodhi (3 wickets) also played vital roles in restricting Essex’s run chase. Essex’s innings ultimately came to an end at 131 runs in 18.3 overs, losing the summit clash by 14 runs. Henry’s exceptional bowling performance earned him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award.
With this victory, Somerset clinched their second Vitality Blast 2023 title. Notably, the team previously were crowned champions 18 years ago in 2005.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
SOMERSET WIN THE 2023 VITALITY BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#WeAreSomerset #FinalsDay | #Blast23 @ItsTradeNation pic.twitter.com/9G0a01QXQb
— Somerset Cricket
Matt Henry might be the best overseas signing we’ve ever made. Ish Sodhi might be the best emergency overseas signing anyone’s ever made
— Will(@ohlookitswill_) July 15, 2023
2005
2023
Somerset ended an 18-year wait for their second T20 title#Blast23 | #FinalsDay pic.twitter.com/NEzGapyACK
— 𐍃𐌵𐌱𐌷𐌻𐌽𐌺𐌻𐍂 (@Suvhu0854) July 16, 2023
Matt Henry is genuinely one of the best bowlers I’ve ever seen at one level below international cricket. Crazy that he’s not a top international bowler.
— Niall(@Crusty_Crouton) July 15, 2023
Matt Henry (14* & 3/19) and Ish Sodhi (1/31) show Somerset low scoring game thrilling 24 runs victory with a winning wicket from Matt Henry in the T20 Blast semi-final against Surrey.
Best of luck Somerset in final. pic.twitter.com/nmqnyAQG11
— 𝖠𝗅𝗅 𝖠𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝖭𝖾𝗐 𝖹𝖾𝖺𝗅𝖺𝗇𝖽(@NZcricketfans) July 15, 2023
SOMERSET ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF VITALITY BLAST 2023
Somerset won the Vitality Blast for the first time in 18 yearspic.twitter.com/8D7y6WHNcb pic.twitter.com/2pol5Tyy83
— Don Cricket(@doncricket_) July 16, 2023
Somerset are the Vitality Blast Champions 2023
Absolutely deserving, they have put some brilliant efforts! Lots of credits to Caotain Gregory, he played a crucial role thoroughout. Proud of you Gregs!
Happy for Somerset Boys
Hopefully Notts will win the next#Blast23 pic.twitter.com/JUiWffTCsP
— The two Ws(@cric_insane) July 15, 2023
Congratulations to Somerset ccc on winning the vitality t20 blast fully deserved as they’ve been the best team in the tournament this year
— KingShanks️
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