In a dramatic Somerset vs Gloucestershire clash under lights at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Ben Green produced a match-winning all-around performance to guide Somerset to a 16-run win and local pride in the Vitality Blast 2025.
Ben Green: Somerset’s Match-Winner with Bat and Ball
Till now, usually an underrated performer in T20s, Ben Green turned out to be the match-winner. He hit a 22-ball 36 not out, with three sixes, and added a vital 42 for the 8th wicket with Craig Overton, taking Somerset to a fighting total of 164/7 on a challenging turning track.
Green then supported his batting with the ball, returning 1 for 27 from four overs, in helping to limit Gloucestershire to 148/8, despite a courageous 71* from D’Arcy Short.
Somerset Struggle on an Old Pitch
Bating first upon winning the toss, Somerset never enjoyed their typical powerplay supremacy at Taunton. Tom Lammonby (15) and Will Smeed (29) had made good starts but were given short shrift by Matt Taylor, who came back with stunning figures of 2 for 11.
The Gloucestershire bowlers maintained the pressure during the middle overs by spinners Jack Taylor (3/19) and Ollie Price, who claimed crucial wickets at the right time. Somerset were struggling at 122/7 in the 17th over before Green and Overton pulled the innings back with a late charge, 22 runs were scored off the last over alone.
Gloucestershire’s Chase Falls Short Despite D’Arcy Short’s Heroics
Pursuing 165, Gloucestershire began well with Miles Hammond and D’Arcy Short getting early boundaries. However, Somerset’s bowlers fought back in haste. Jake Ball collected 2 for 20, including the crucial wicket of Hammond, while Overton and Gregory put the squeeze on with tight spells.
Short, however, remained unperturbed, making a gutsy 71 off 52 balls* with five fours and three sixes. But as wickets fell in a heap at the other end and the required rate mounted, Gloucestershire’s chase ultimately fell short by 16 runs.
Key Moments from the Somerset vs Gloucestershire Match
Late fireworks at the bat by Ben Green propelled Somerset to 164/7.
Craig Overton’s assistance in the death (unbeaten in the 42-run partnership) came in handy.
D’Arcy Short’s fifth fifty in six games was all in vain with no support.
Jack Taylor’s 3/19 provided Gloucestershire with a fighting chance on a turning pitch.
Somerset complete their group stage with 11 victories from 14 games and earn a home quarter-final. The Somerset v Gloucestershire match produced another edge-of-the-seat encounter, with this time Somerset winning on their ground.
The Taunton crowd saw an enthralling, low-scoring encounter that served to illustrate the worth of contributions from all directions and a level head in moments of crisis.
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