LONDON — The T20 Blast South Group delivered a night of thrilling cricket as Somerset, Surrey, and Glamorgan secured dramatic victories in tightly contested matches. With playoff spots on the line, the action was electric, featuring standout performances, last-over finishes, and tactical masterclasses.
Somerset Edges Past Gloucestershire in Nail-Biter
Somerset kept their playoff hopes alive with a thrilling three-run win over local rivals Gloucestershire at the Cooper Associates County Ground. Chasing 182, Gloucestershire fell agonizingly short despite a valiant 68 from Miles Hammond. "We knew it would be close, but the boys held their nerve," said Somerset captain Lewis Gregory.
Key moments from the match:
- Tom Banton's explosive 47 off 23 balls set the tone for Somerset.
- Ben Green's 2/22, including the crucial wicket of Hammond, turned the game.
- Gloucestershire needed 12 off the final over but managed only eight.
Surrey Stun Essex in High-Scoring Thriller
Surrey pulled off a stunning chase against Essex, hunting down 213 with two balls to spare at the Kia Oval. Jason Roy blasted 64 off 27, while Laurie Evans sealed the win with an unbeaten 76. "That’s as good a chase as I’ve been part of," Roy said post-match.
Essex’s Dan Lawrence had earlier smashed 93 off 48, but Surrey’s depth proved decisive. Key contributions:
- Sam Curran’s 2/32 and 18* off 7 in the death overs.
- Jamie Overton’s 14-ball 29 to keep the run rate in check.
Glamorgan’s Late Surge Overpowers Hampshire
Glamorgan kept their playoff dreams alive with a six-wicket win over Hampshire. Chasing 165, Colin Ingram’s unbeaten 65 guided them home with seven balls to spare. "Ingram was class under pressure," praised skipper Kiran Carlson.
Hampshire’s James Vince top-scored with 58, but Glamorgan’s bowlers restricted them late:
- Dan Douthwaite’s 3/25 stifled Hampshire’s middle order.
- Mason Crane’s economical 1/20 wasn’t enough for Hampshire.
South Group Standings Shake-Up
The night’s results tightened the South Group table:
- Surrey (18 points) strengthened their top-two position.
- Somerset (14 points) leapfrogged into fourth.
- Glamorgan (12 points) stay in contention.
"Every game feels like a final now," remarked Surrey coach Gareth Batty, as the race for the knockout stages heats up.
With just three rounds left, the South Group promises more fireworks. Somerset face Surrey next in what could be a playoff decider, while Glamorgan take on Kent in another must-win clash.