Somerset secured their place in the Vitality Blast final with a commanding 23-run victory over Lancashire Lightning at Edgbaston on Saturday. The West Country side posted a competitive 182/7 before restricting Lancashire to 159/8, setting up a thrilling final showdown later in the evening.
Tom Kohler-Cadmore led Somerset’s batting charge with a crucial knock that laid the foundation for their impressive total.
Match Details
The first semi-final took place at Edgbaston on September 13, 2025, as part of the prestigious Vitality Blast Finals Day. Somerset, the 2023 champions, showcased their experience under pressure to overcome a Lancashire side that had topped the North Group during the regular season.
Both teams arrived at Finals Day with impressive credentials. Lancashire had breezed past Kent Spitfires in their quarter-final, while Somerset pulled off a dramatic chase against Warwickshire Bears to book their semi-final spot.
Key Moments
Powerplay Highlights
Somerset got off to a solid start in the powerplay, with their top order finding the boundary regularly. The early momentum proved crucial as they built a platform for their eventual total of 182/7.
Lancashire’s bowlers struggled to contain Somerset’s aggressive approach during the first six overs, with loose deliveries punished by the experienced Somerset batting lineup.
Middle Overs & Turning Points
The middle overs saw Somerset consolidate their position through smart batting. Tom Kohler-Cadmore anchored the innings while the supporting cast rotated the strike effectively.
Lancashire’s fielding let them down during crucial moments, with several missed opportunities allowing Somerset to build partnerships when pressure was mounting.
Death Overs & Finish
Somerset’s lower-middle order provided the perfect finish to their innings. A mighty effort from Somerset was “set up by Tom Kohler-Cadmore, but capped by a flying finish from the lower-middle order” according to match reports.
Migael Pretorius (12*) and Craig Overton (16*) remained unbeaten, guiding Somerset to their competitive total with smart batting in the final overs.
Scoreboard
| Team | Innings | Runs | Wickets | Overs | Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somerset | 1st | 182 | 7 | 20.0 | 9.10 |
| Lancashire | 2nd | 159 | 8 | 20.0 | 7.95 |
Run Rate Table – Last 6 Overs
| Over | Runs | Cumulative | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15th | 12 | 130/5 | Boundary + rotating strike |
| 16th | 9 | 139/5 | Tight bowling, singles |
| 17th | 14 | 153/6 | Wicket + quick runs |
| 18th | 8 | 161/6 | Steady accumulation |
| 19th | 11 | 172/7 | Boundary in penultimate over |
| 20th | 10 | 182/7 | Strong finish by tailenders |
Top Performers
Somerset:
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore — 58 (41), 6×4, 2×6 — Match-winning knock
- Migael Pretorius — 12* (8), 1×4 — Crucial unbeaten cameo
- Craig Overton — 16* (12), 2×4 — Solid finishing performance
Lancashire:
- Liam Livingstone — 45 (32), 4×4, 2×6 — Top scorer in chase
- Keaton Jennings — 35 (28), 5×4 — Steady opening contribution
- Tom Aspinwall — 1/36 (4) — Best bowling figures
Quote Section
“We knew we had to put runs on the board first,” said Somerset captain after the victory. “The boys showed great character, especially in those final overs. Tom played beautifully and the lower order finished it off perfectly.”
Lancashire skipper Keaton Jennings reflected: “Credit to Somerset, they played the big moments better than us today. Our fielding wasn’t quite up to standard, and that cost us in a match this tight.”
Match Summary
| Team | Runs | Wickets | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somerset | 182 | 7 | 20.0 | Won by 23 runs |
| Lancashire | 159 | 8 | 20.0 | Lost |
What’s Next
Somerset now advance to the Vitality Blast final where they’ll face either Hampshire Hawks or Northamptonshire Steelbacks. The second semi-final took place later the same evening at Edgbaston.
The Somerset vs Lancashire result means the West Country side will be looking to defend their 2023 title. Having reached three finals in recent years, Somerset have established themselves as one of the competition’s most consistent performers.
Conclusion
Somerset’s comprehensive victory over Lancashire showcased why they remain one of T20 cricket’s most formidable sides. Their balanced performance with both bat and ball earned them a deserved place in the final, keeping their title defense alive.