In a thrilling final match of the Vitality T20 Blast 2023, Somerset edged past Essex by 14 runs at Edgbaston. Somerset won the toss and elected to bat, setting a target of 146 for Essex. Despite a valiant effort from the Essex batters, Somerset’s bowlers held their nerve to secure the title.
Batting first, Somerset faced a few early setbacks, with Tom Banton, Will Smeed and Tom Abell failing to make significant contributions. However, Sean Dickson played a crucial innings, scoring 53 runs off 35 balls to provide stability to the Somerset innings. Lewis Gregory also made a useful contribution of 11 runs. Somerset managed to post a total of 145 runs in their 20 overs. Shane Snater and Paul Walter were the pick of the bowlers for Essex, claiming three wickets each.
Chasing the target, Essex got off to a quick start with Adam Rossington and Dan Lawrence making valuable contributions. However, Matt Henry‘s exceptional bowling turned the tide in Somerset’s favour. Henry claimed four crucial wickets, while Lewis Gregory and Ish Sodhi took two wickets each, dismantling the Essex batting line-up. Despite a fighting knock of 45 runs by Daniel Sams, Essex fell short and were bowled out for 131 runs in 18.3 overs.
Henry’s outstanding performance with the ball earned him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award. Meanwhile, his teammate Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s one-handed stunner stole the limelight towards the end of the clash, enabling Somerset to lift the Vitality Blast trophy for the first time in 18 years.
For an instant, it appeared that the ball will race towards the boundary, but Kohler-Cadmore had different plans. With a full-length dive to his left, he miraculously snatched the ball out of thin air, just inches above the ground.
The catch was absolutely mesmerizing, leaving spectators and players alike in a state of awe.
Here’s the video:
The moment that made @SomersetCCC #Blast23 Champions 🏆
Incredible.#FinalsDay pic.twitter.com/tnL7GrX6Dq
— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) July 15, 2023
