Birmingham, September 14, 2024 – Gloucestershire claimed their 2024 Vitality Blast title with an emphatic 8-wicket victory over Somerset in the final at Edgbaston. A brilliant all-round performance led by Matt Taylor with the ball and the batting duo of Miles Hammond and Cameron Bancroft sealed the victory as Gloucestershire chased down 125 with ease.
Somerset’s Batting Collapse:
Somerset never found momentum in their innings after being asked to bat first. Early wickets put them on the back foot, as Tom Kohler-Cadmore (21 off 15) and Will Smeed (8) fell quickly to Matt Taylor. Wickets continued to tumble, with Somerset struggling at 42/4 inside seven overs. Lewis Gregory tried to stabilize the innings with a gritty 53 off 37 balls, but received little support from the lower order. Gloucestershire’s bowling unit, led by Matt Taylor (3/18) and David Payne (3/27), restricted Somerset to a below-par 124.
Gloucestershire’s Dominant Chase:
In response, Gloucestershire’s openers got off to a solid start. Miles Hammond (58* off 41) and Cameron Bancroft (53 off 42) formed a match-winning partnership of 112 runs for the first wicket, taking the game away from Somerset. Even after Bancroft fell, Gloucestershire were well on track, and Hammond stayed unbeaten to see his side home with 30 balls to spare.
Key Performances:
- Matt Taylor: 4 overs, 3/18
- Miles Hammond: 58* off 41 balls, 6 fours, 3 sixes
- Cameron Bancroft: 53 off 42 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes
- David Payne: 4 overs, 3/27
Records and Notable Moments:
- Matt Taylor’s figures of 3/18 were crucial in limiting Somerset to a modest total.
- Miles Hammond‘s 58* was his second half-century of the tournament, guiding Gloucestershire to victory with a steady hand.
- Cameron Bancroft contributed a valuable fifty in the final, playing the perfect foil to Hammond.
Brief Scores:
Somerset: 124 all out in 19.4 overs (Lewis Gregory 53, Matt Taylor 3/18, David Payne 3/27)
Gloucestershire: 129/2 in 15 overs (Miles Hammond 58*, Cameron Bancroft 53)
Result: Gloucestershire won by 8 wickets (with 30 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Matt Taylor (3/18)
Gloucestershire’s comprehensive performance in the final capped off a dominant tournament, securing their 2024 Vitality Blast title with an eight-wicket win, adding another chapter to their T20 success.
