By News Editor 
County Ground, Northampton – Somerset powered their way into the next round of the Vitality Blast 2024, defeating Northamptonshire by 17 runs in the 3rd Quarter Final. Tom Banton’s explosive 75 from 43 balls set up Somerset’s total of 215/3, with Northamptonshire falling just short despite a valiant effort.
Somerset’s Dominant Batting Performance:
Somerset, put in to bat, got off to a flying start thanks to Tom Banton. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 6 fours and 5 sixes in his 43-ball 75, forming a crucial partnership with Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who also impressed with a 63 off 43 balls. Sean Dickson (33*) and captain Lewis Gregory (20*) added late fireworks to propel Somerset to a commanding 215/3 in their 20 overs.
Ben Sanderson was the pick of Northamptonshire’s bowlers with 1/23 from his 4 overs, while skipper David Willey took 1/33.
Northamptonshire’s Chase Falls Short:
In reply, Northamptonshire started poorly, losing George Bartlett for a duck. Despite captain David Willey’s fighting 57 off 39 balls and contributions from Ricardo Vasconcelos (30) and Saif Zaib (32 off 16), the required run rate kept mounting. Saif Zaib and Justin Broad tried to accelerate, but Lewis Gregory’s 3/35 and Craig Overton’s economical 1/22 helped Somerset contain the opposition. Northamptonshire finished their innings at 198/5, 17 runs short of the target.
Brief Scores:
Somerset: 215/3 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 75, Tom Kohler-Cadmore 63, Ben Sanderson 1/23)
Northamptonshire: 198/5 in 20 overs (David Willey 57, Saif Zaib 32, Lewis Gregory 3/35)
Result: Somerset won by 17 runs
Player of the Match: Tom Banton (75 off 43 balls)
Somerset’s victory sees them advance to the next stage of the competition, with Tom Banton’s Player of the Match performance leading the charge.