Somerset’s winning streak breaks as Hampshire took the guts

Hampshire Hawks emerged victorious in a thrilling match against Somerset, securing a five-run win thanks to Nathan Ellis’ exceptional performance in the death overs. The Hawks continued their winning streak, claiming their fourth consecutive victory in this season’s Vitality Blast.

James Vince and Joe Weatherley played crucial roles in propelling Hampshire to a competitive total of 178 runs. Vince, who recorded his fifth score of over 50 in the tournament, showcased his batting prowess alongside Weatherley, who remained unbeaten with a well-deserved 59 runs.

In pursuit of 148 runs for victory, Somerset’s Will Smeed displayed an impressive innings, smashing an exciting 52 runs, while Tom Kohler-Cadmore contributed 43 runs to keep their team in the chase. However, it was the Australian speedster, Nathan Ellis, who turned the tide in Hampshire’s favor with his remarkable performance in the 17th and 19th overs. Ellis conceded only three and four runs in those overs, finishing with figures of 1 for 26. In the final over, Scott Currie successfully defended 18 runs, ensuring Hampshire’s five-run triumph.

Hampshire had previously failed to defend a total of 178 in T20 matches at the Ageas Bowl on only one occasion. However, Somerset’s Tom Banton and Will Smeed were determined to replicate the devastating performance by Kent, inspired by Zak Crawley, who had defeated Hampshire by eight wickets in 2020.

Banton and Smeed formed a formidable partnership, accumulating 69 runs in the powerplay through innovative shots, power-hitting, and clean striking of the ball. Nonetheless, Liam Dawson claimed Banton’s wicket in the seventh over, as he departed after scoring 31 runs from 21 deliveries. Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Banton’s replacement, continued the onslaught by smashing three fours off Currie’s bowling.

Smeed, who had previously scored a modest 70 runs in his six innings during the summer, dominated the proceedings with seven fours and two sixes, reaching his fifty in just 30 balls. However, his innings was cut short when he was caught at deep midwicket while attempting a big shot off Mason Crane’s bowling.

Sean Dickson lost his wicket as John Turner shattered his leg stump, but Kohler-Cadmore injected momentum back into Somerset’s innings with two massive sixes off Crane in the 16th over. Turner struck back with a well-directed bouncer, dismissing Kohler-Cadmore when Somerset required 26 runs from the final 15 balls.

A brilliant catch by Nye Donald removed Tom Lammonby, and Ellis delivered an exceptional 19th over, conceding only four runs, leaving Somerset needing 19 runs off the last over bowled by Currie. Despite conceding 13 runs in the final over, Currie and the Hawks emerged victorious, ending Somerset’s six-game winning streak.

Earlier in the match, after being put into bat, Hampshire’s Ben McDermott displayed an array of shots, including pulls, cuts, and ramps, to score a quickfire boundary-laden innings. However, he fell in the third over to Matt Henry’s bowling.

Vince, following his recent string of half-centuries, continued his excellent form by adding Somerset to his list of victims this season. Although his innings was not as fluent as some of his previous knocks, he reached his fifty in 37 balls, including three fours and two sixes. However, he failed to find the boundary in his last 14 deliveries before getting dismissed at long-on.

Vince’s partnership with Toby Albert yielded 60 runs before Albert was caught at long-on while attempting a big shot.

During the middle overs, Somerset managed to regain control of the match with impressive contributions from Lewis Gregory, Ben Green, and Roelof van der Merwe. Their tight bowling and disciplined fielding restricted Hampshire’s scoring opportunities.

However, Joe Weatherley, who had been relatively quiet until then, launched a counter-attack to break free from the pressure. He displayed his skill by carving van der Merwe for two boundaries to the cover region and then unleashed two powerful swats for six, reaching his half-century from just 31 balls.

With the support of Ross Whiteley, Weatherley formed a crucial partnership of 73 runs, with Whiteley contributing with some hard-run singles. Although Whiteley struggled to find his rhythm and managed only a scratchy 14 runs from 15 balls, his efforts were appreciated.

In the final overs, Hampshire’s run rate soared as they aimed to set a challenging target. Whiteley’s innings came to an end when he was brilliantly caught by Will Smeed on the boundary, but Nye Donald ensured the hosts finished strongly by smashing a towering six over extra cover.

Hampshire Hawks concluded their innings with a total of 178 runs for the loss of four wickets. The stage was set for an enthralling chase by Somerset, who had been in tremendous form with six consecutive victories before this match.

Chasing 178, Somerset’s openers, Tom Banton and Will Smeed, stepped onto the field with determination. They were well aware that a victory over Hampshire would be a remarkable achievement, and they aimed to replicate the dominating performance of Kent in the previous season.

The powerplay belonged to Somerset as Banton and Smeed showcased their skills and attacked the Hampshire bowlers. The duo combined for a formidable partnership, displaying innovation, power, and precise shot selection. Boundaries flowed as they piled up 69 runs in the first six overs, setting an excellent platform for their team’s chase.

However, Hampshire’s Liam Dawson brought an end to Banton’s aggressive innings as he induced a top edge that was comfortably caught. Undeterred, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Banton’s replacement, continued the assault by striking three boundaries off Scott Currie’s bowling.

Smeed, who had struggled to make an impact in the previous matches, finally found his rhythm and played a scintillating innings. He unleashed an array of shots, including seven fours and two sixes, reaching his fifty off just 30 deliveries. The young talent was dictating the proceedings and steering Somerset towards victory.

But Hampshire’s Nathan Ellis had other plans. Known for his death bowling skills, Ellis turned the match in Hampshire’s favor with two exceptional overs. In the 17th and 19th overs, he displayed his accuracy and composure, conceding minimal runs and picking up a crucial wicket.

With 26 runs required from the final 15 balls, Somerset’s hopes relied on Kohler-Cadmore to guide them to victory. However, John Turner’s well-directed bouncer dismissed Kohler-Cadmore, delivering a significant blow to Somerset’s chances.

As the match approached its climax, tension filled the air. Somerset required 19 runs from the last over, and Hampshire’s Scott Currie was entrusted with the responsibility of defending the target. Despite conceding a few boundaries, Currie held his nerve and executed his plans effectively. Somerset fell short by just five runs, and Hampshire Hawks emerged victorious.

The thrilling encounter marked Somerset’s first defeat in this season’s Vitality Blast, while Hampshire continued their winning streak, securing their fourth consecutive win. Nathan Ellis’ remarkable death bowling display and the crucial contributions from James Vince and Joe Weatherley proved to be the decisive factors in Hampshire’s triumph.