LONDON — Will Smeed produced a magnificent, career-best innings of 94 from just 48 balls to power Somerset to their third Vitality Blast title, securing a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Hampshire Hawks in a thrilling final at Edgbaston.
Chasing a daunting target of 145 set by Hampshire, Somerset’s chase was masterfully orchestrated by the 22-year-old Smeed, who smashed 8 fours and 6 sixes in a display of controlled aggression that dismantled a highly-rated Hawks bowling attack. His heroics ensured Somerset crossed the finish line with 15 balls to spare, sparking wild celebrations among the West Country faithful.
A Final Built on Bowling Prowess
The foundation for Somerset’s triumph was laid by their bowlers after captain Lewis Gregory won the toss and elected to field. On a used pitch that offered variable bounce, Somerset’s attack, led by the experienced Craig Overton, applied immense pressure from the outset.
Overton was exceptional with the new ball, removing the dangerous Ben McDermott early and finishing with figures of 2 for 24 from his four overs. He was ably supported by the spin duo of Roelof van der Merwe and Jake Ball, who consistently took the pace off the ball and stifled the Hawks' run flow.
Hampshire, finalists for the third time in four years, never found any momentum. Key players like James Vince and Liam Dawson fell cheaply, and only a late, battling 31 from Benny Howell helped them post a seemingly competitive total of 144 for 8.
The Smeed Show: A Masterclass in Power Hitting
While the target was challenging, Somerset’s response was immediate and emphatic. Tom Banton provided a quickfire start, but it was Will Smeed who seized the occasion, playing the innings of his young life on the biggest stage.
Smeed targeted the short boundary with ruthless efficiency, taking a particular liking to the bowling of Hampshire’s international stars. He launched a brutal assault on Chris Wood and Nathan Ellis, sending the ball repeatedly into the stands and effectively ending the contest as a spectacle long before the final ball was bowled.
His innings was notable not just for its power, but for its maturity. He picked his moments perfectly, rotating the strike when needed and unleashing his devastating array of shots when the bowlers missed their length.
Key Moments in the Chase
- The Powerplay Onslaught: Somerset raced to 60 for 1 after the first six overs, with Smeed already well past 40, setting a platform that made the run chase a formality.
- The Demise of spin threat: Smeed neutralized Hampshire’s key spinner, Liam Dawson, hitting him for two massive sixes in a single over that broke the back of the chase.
- The Supporting Cast: Tom Abell provided a calm, unbeaten 19* at the other end, offering the perfect foil to Smeed’s fireworks and guiding the team home after Smeed’s dismissal.
Captain and Coach Hail Heroic Smeed
An elated Somerset captain, Lewis Gregory, was full of praise for his young match-winner. In his post-match comments, he emphasized the team's collective effort but reserved special acclaim for Smeed's brilliance.
"What an incredible innings from Will. We've always known about his talent, and for him to deliver like that in a final is just special. The way he took the game away from them was breathtaking."
Head coach Jason Kerr echoed his captain's sentiments, highlighting the significance of the victory for the club.
"This one means everything. The group has shown so much character, and Will was just phenomenal today. He played with a freedom and intelligence that belied his age and the pressure of the occasion."
A disappointed Hampshire captain, James Vince, conceded that his side was simply outplayed by one exceptional performance.
"It's a tough pill to swallow. We were probably 15-20 runs short, but full credit to Somerset and especially Will Smeed. He played an outstanding knock and took the game away from us."
A Landmark Victory for Somerset
This victory marks Somerset’s third T20 Blast title, adding to their previous triumphs in 2005 and 2023. It cements their status as one of the dominant white-ball forces in English county cricket and provides a perfect send-off for veteran spinner Roelof van der Merwe, who announced his retirement from Somerset after the final.
The win was a testament to their balanced squad, featuring a potent bowling attack capable of restricting any team and a deep batting lineup with match-winners throughout. However, the day belonged unequivocally to Will Smeed.
Conclusion: Smeed Announces Himself on the Big Stage
While Somerset’s victory was a collective team effort, the 2024 Vitality Blast final will forever be remembered as the day Will Smeed announced himself as a genuine superstar of the domestic game.
His innings of 94, just six runs short of a deserved century, was a masterclass in power-hitting under pressure. It not only secured the trophy for Somerset but also served notice to the cricketing world of a prodigious talent ready to take the next step in his career.
As the fireworks erupted over Edgbaston and the Somerset players lifted the trophy, it was clear that a new hero had been born, etching his name into the rich history of the club with an unforgettable performance on finals day.