By Tim Douglas 
Somerset pulled off one of the greatest heists in T20 Blast history, completing the highest-ever successful chase in a final to beat Hampshire by six wickets and lift their record-equalling third title.
The show belonged to Will Smeed, whose masterful 94 off 58 balls anchored the chase of 195, while skipper Lewis Gregory applied the finishing touches with a nerveless burst of boundaries. The result ended Somerset’s long wait for another title, sending their travelling fans into raptures under the Edgbaston lights.
Albert and Vince Fire for Hampshire
Put into bat, Hampshire built their innings around a superb knock from Toby Albert, who smashed 85 off 48 balls, peppering the boundary with audacious strokes including a sequence of reverse-hits. His 97-run stand with skipper James Vince (52 off 34) set the foundation for a strong total.
Despite Somerset striking back in the latter overs, cameos from Kieron Pollard (36) and Benny Howell pushed Hampshire to 194/6, the highest total ever set in a Blast final.
Smeed’s Masterclass Turns the Tide
Facing a daunting chase on a used surface, Somerset needed early momentum. Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s 25 off 13 gave them a head start before an express yorker from Sonny Baker broke the stand.
Enter Will Smeed. Composed yet ruthless, he combined placement with power, unfurling drives, pulls, and audacious lofted strokes. Supported by Sean Dickson (33 off 22)* in a pivotal 88-run partnership, Smeed carried Somerset deep into the chase.
A crucial moment came when Scott Currie spilled a catch off Dickson. Somerset pounced, scoring freely and keeping pace with Hampshire’s power-packed effort.
Gregory Delivers the Knockout Punch
With Smeed falling just short of a century, the chase still required cool heads. Captain Lewis Gregory stepped up, smashing a four and two sixes in five balls to seal victory with an over to spare. The celebrations in the Hollies Stand were thunderous as Somerset clinched their first title since 2023.
The win also broke the “semi-final winners’ curse” – no team had lifted the trophy after winning the day’s first semi-final since Worcestershire in 2018.
Brief Scores
Hampshire 194/6 (20 overs) Toby Albert 85 (48), James Vince 52 (34); Jake Ball 2/39, Lewis Goldsworthy 1/28
Somerset 195/4 (19 overs) Will Smeed 94 (58), Sean Dickson 33* (22); Scott Currie 2/44, Sonny Baker 1/28
Result: Somerset won by 6 wickets with 6 balls to spare
Player of the Match: Will Smeed (94 off 58)