Carlson's Century Powers Glamorgan to Record-Breaking Win Over Somerset

Glamorgan 243 for 4 (Carlson 135) beat Somerset 123 (Labuschagne 5-11) by 120 runs

Kiran Carlson's spectacular century propelled Glamorgan to a record-breaking end to their 2024 Vitality Blast campaign, securing a commanding 120-run victory over Somerset.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Glamorgan, led by Carlson's explosive 135 off 64 balls, posted the highest total of the 2024 Blast with 243 for 4. In response, Somerset was bundled out for 123, with Marnus Labuschagne wreaking havoc on the tail, taking 5 for 11 in a devastating 15-ball spell that included a triple-wicket maiden.

Despite the victory, Glamorgan finished sixth in the South Group, while Somerset qualified for the quarter-finals, awaiting their opponent based on Sussex's result.

Glamorgan's innings started steadily, with Craig Overton conceding seven runs in the first over. However, they accelerated with 16 and 15 runs in the second and fifth overs, reaching 66 without loss in the PowerPlay. Carlson's aggressive start saw him reach his fifty in just 28 balls.

Jack Leach managed to stem the flow of runs briefly, but the destructive opening partnership between Carlson and Will Smale, which amassed 169 runs, continued to pile on the pressure. Carlson notched his first T20 century, while Smale achieved his maiden professional half-century, highlighted by a ramp shot for six off Riley Meredith.

Smale's innings ended when he was caught at deep midwicket by Sean Dickson off Ben Green. Colin Ingram then joined Carlson, adding 44 runs to maintain the momentum. Carlson's outstanding knock concluded in the 18th over, caught by Tom Abell off Meredith, marking the highest individual score for Glamorgan in T20s.

Chris Cooke's quickfire 16 off 10 balls ended with an impressive boundary catch by Overton off Green's bowling. Jake Ball's economical bowling (0 for 38) helped restrict the final over to nine runs, with Ingram run out for 21 off the last ball.

Somerset's chase began promisingly, with 25 runs off the second over from Dan Douthwaite. However, Timm van der Gugten's consecutive strikes reduced Somerset from 36 for 0 to 40 for 2. George Thomas fell to Kellaway, leaving Somerset at 66 for 3 after the PowerPlay, mirroring Glamorgan's start.

Despite runs flowing, Somerset couldn't halt the steady fall of wickets. Sean Dickson (12) and Tom Abell (29) made starts but couldn't convert. Labuschagne's introduction triggered a collapse, as Somerset lost their final seven wickets for just 35 runs.

Brief Scores:

- Glamorgan: 243 for 4 (Kiran Carlson 135, Will Smale 54)

- Somerset: 123 (Marnus Labuschagne 5-11, Timm van der Gugten 2-12, Kellaway 1-5)

Glamorgan won by 120 runs.