Somerset's Victory Secures Spot in Finals

Somerset powered their way to a spot in the Vitality Blast Finals Day, thanks to a stunning performance by Tom Banton, who blazed 75 from just 43 deliveries. This innings laid the foundation for a strong total of 215 for 3, too steep for Northamptonshire to chase, leaving them 17 runs behind by the end.

Banton capitalised on a loose Northamptonshire bowling attack, slamming five sixes and six boundaries at a packed Wantage Road. His partnership with Tom Kohler-Cadmore, which totalled 125 runs in 11.3 overs, was key. Although Kohler-Cadmore initially struggled, he found his rhythm to score 63 from 43 balls, including two fours and five sixes.

Northamptonshire’s skipper, David Willey, led a determined chase, scoring 57 from 39 balls, with support from Saif Zaib, Ricardo Vasconcelos, and Justin Broad. Willey found the boundary with ease but couldn’t bring the total within reach as Somerset’s captain, Lewis Gregory, took three crucial wickets for 35 runs. Northamptonshire ended their innings at 198 for 5.

Willey had earlier removed Somerset opener Will Smeed for just six runs in the second over. However, he and Ben Sanderson leaked runs with several wide deliveries, allowing Banton to dominate. Banton nearly gave up a chance early on, but recovered to dispatch a series of powerful hits, and Somerset ended their power play at 49 for 1.

Despite difficult conditions, including strong winds, Northamptonshire missed key catching opportunities, including a chance off Kohler-Cadmore when he was on 7. Banton continued his assault, bringing up his half-century with two massive sixes. Kohler-Cadmore soon joined the action, launching three sixes off Ashton Agar's over, and continued to accelerate before being dismissed by a sharp catch on the boundary.

The middle order, including Sean Dickson (33) and Gregory (20), kept the momentum going, adding 44 runs in the final few overs to post a daunting target.

Chasing 215, Northamptonshire lost George Bartlett early in persistent rain but were lifted by Willey, who smashed Josh Davey and Craig Overton for sixes. Despite Vasconcelos battling with a broken hand, he managed to score 30 before Gregory claimed his wicket. Broad made a late push with 29, keeping the Steelbacks' hopes alive with a couple of big hits.

Though the Steelbacks were ahead of Somerset’s score after 10 overs, they still trailed according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Broad and Zaib added useful runs, with Zaib smashing 32 before falling victim to Gregory’s bowling. Willey, after completing his half-century, continued to fight but was eventually caught on the boundary, leaving Northamptonshire’s hopes dashed.

Agar tried to salvage the innings with some late fireworks, smashing a few sixes, but the effort wasn’t enough as Northamptonshire fell short by 17 runs.