In a game for the ages, Somerset (SOM) wrote a thrilling script over Hampshire (HAM) in the Vitality Blast final 2025 as they chased down a record target of 195 runs to win their third title under the Edgbaston lights.
Will Smeed’s knock of 94 off 58 balls took the lead, while Sean Dickson and captain Lewis Gregory put the finishing touches to seal the highest-ever successful chase in a Blast final.
First Innings: Toby Albert Guides Hampshire to 194/6
Destructive Start Despite Early Lynn Loss
Hampshire were required to bat first in the Vitality Blast final (SOM vs HAM) and lost Chris Lynn early, even though he had produced a semi-final hero.
A 97-run stand between Toby Albert (85 off 48) and James Vince (50 off 35) set the platform firmly, however.
Read More
Albert was the pick of the bowlers, displaying sheer genius with four reverse-hits for boundaries in as many balls.
The opener tore apart Migael Pretorius for 25 runs in one over and scored his fifty in 29 balls his sixth in the tournament.
Middle Overs Slowdown but Strong Finish
However, with a mid-innings lull in which Hampshire were able to score just three boundaries from nine overs, Albert and Howell provided the innings with a late flourish.
Read More
Howell hit two sixes, and Hampshire closed on 194 for 6, tying the record team total in a Vitality Blast final.
Second Innings: Somerset’s Historic Run Chase Underway
Kohler-Cadmore’s Powerplay Blitz
Pursuing an intimidating target in the Vitality Blast final (SOM vs HAM), Somerset required a swift beginning.
Tom Kohler-Cadmore (TKC) responded with a breathtaking six over the Hollies Stand and another uppercut maximum off Scott Currie.
Sonny Baker retaliated, however, bowling TKC with a blistering yorker to seal the first wicket at 46.
Will Smeed took the reins after TKC’s removal. Despite of the loss of Tom Abell and James Rew in the middle overs, Smeed kept discovering boundaries.
He quickened nicely with three successive fours off Bjorn Fortuin and exploited Hampshire’s spin danger to maintain the chase afloat.
Turning Point: Currie Drops Dickson, Somerset Take Over
At a crucial juncture of the Vitality Blast final (SOM vs HAM), Scott Currie dismissed Sean Dickson at a key juncture.
Dickson cashed in, scoring an 88-run 51-ball partnership with Smeed. Their partnership took Somerset to parity with Hampshire at 136/3 in 15 overs.
Finishing Touch: Dickson and Gregory Seal the Deal
Dickson’s Flair, Gregory’s Ice-Cool Finish
Requiring 59 off 30 balls, Dickson produced daring shots, one of which was a breathtaking reverse-sweep six off the bowling of Benny Howell. A 19-run 18th over reduced the equation to 18 off 12.
Smeed was bowled for a masterful 94 the record for a Vitality Blast final but Gregory intervened and sealed the deal in style.
With a boundary and two sixes in five balls, he wrapped up the victory with an over to spare, sending the Edgbaston grounds into raptures.
Key Performances – Vitality Blast Final 2025
Player
Team
Performance
Will Smeed
Somerset
94 (58), Highest Final Score
Toby Albert
Hampshire
85 (48), Sparkling Knock
Sean Dickson
Somerset
Key 50+ run partnership with Smeed
Lewis Gregory
Somerset
Completed the match with 2 sixes & 1 four
Tom Kohler-Cadmore
Somerset
Powerplay fireworks
Stat Highlights: SOM vs HAM – Vitality Blast Final
Highest successful chase in a Vitality Blast final -195 by Somerset
Somerset’s third title, equalling the tournament record
First side since 2018 to win the final after the first semi-final win
Fifth successive victory for a South Group team in the Blast
Post-Match Reflection: A T20 Final for the Ages
The 2025 Vitality Blast final between Somerset and Hampshire will be remembered as one of the most heart-stopping finals in competition history.
ALSO READ: SL vs BAN: Sri Lanka Overwhelm Bangladesh In Their Asia Cup 2025 Opener
