Somerset 159 for 6 (Learoyd 61*, Odgers 57, Adams 3-24) tied with Hampshire 159 for 5 (McCaughan 69, Holland 4-21)
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Thrilling Blast Tie at Taunton as Holland and Learoyd Star
In a Vitality Blast contest that had everything—explosive batting, sharp bowling, fielding lapses, and a last-ball drama—Somerset and Hampshire walked away with a tie after an enthralling showdown at the Cooper Associates Ground in Taunton.
Somerset posted 159 for 6, powered by Anika Learoyd’s composed 61 not out and Bex Odgers’ career-best 57. In reply, Hampshire reached the same total for 5, thanks to Ella McCaughan’s 69 off 46 balls and a fearless final over stand between Rhianna Southby and Abi Norgrove, only to be denied victory by a matter of two runs on the final ball.
Learoyd Anchors Somerset’s Competitive Total
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Somerset made a shaky start as captain Sophie Luff edged Bex Tyson to slip for just five in the second over. But any early nerves were quickly silenced by the second-wicket partnership between Anika Learoyd and Bex Odgers.
The duo laid a firm foundation, amassing 44 for 1 at the end of the powerplay. Odgers, in particular, shifted gears with ferocious intent—launching 7 fours and a six in a 31-ball half-century that tore into Hampshire’s spin trio of Tyson, Georgia Adams, and Amanda-Jade Wellington.
Her 57 from 38 balls—not only her highest Blast score but also full of aggressive strokeplay—was cut short when she chipped Adams to backward point. However, Learoyd, dropped earlier on 26, remained unfazed. She reached 50 from 45 balls and added 28 crucial runs with Niamh Holland before being dismissed by Adams in the 18th over.
Despite the late loss of Alex Griffiths and Chloe Skelton, Learoyd stayed at the crease, guiding Somerset to a solid 159 for 6—a total built on resilience, timing, and calculated aggression.
McCaughan Fires, But Holland Strikes Back
Hampshire’s chase began with blistering intent as McCaughan and opener Georgia Adams piled on 53 in the powerplay. A dropped chance by Lola Harris—off Skelton’s bowling—allowed Adams to survive on 14, and she went on to score 30 in a 87-run stand before losing her stumps to Niamh Holland.
McCaughan continued to dominate with a fierce 50 off 32 balls, including 7 boundaries. But just as she looked set, Bex Odgers pulled off a stunning catch at mid-off off Harris’ bowling to send her back for 69, with Hampshire at 112 for 2 in the 13th over.
That breakthrough sparked a crucial spell from Niamh Holland. She dismantled the middle order in quick succession—bowling Naomi Dattani and Francesca Sweet within three balls—leaving Hampshire reeling at 129 for 4.
Adams’ 3 for 24 had kept things tight earlier, but now it was Holland’s turn. Her career-best 4 for 21 turned the match on its head, culminating in the dismissal of the dangerous Amanda-Jade Wellington for 14—cleanly taken by Sophie Luff at point.
Dramatic Final Over Seals the Tie
Entering the final two overs, Hampshire needed 20 off 12. Liv Barnes applied pressure with just three runs in the 17th. The equation came down to five off the final over bowled by Chloe Skelton.
Rhianna Southby, on strike, blazed 17 off seven balls—including two sixes—to leave the scores level off the penultimate delivery. Even then, victory wasn’t certain. On the final ball, needing three to win, Norgrove sprinted two, finishing on 8 not out as the scores locked at 159 apiece.
In a rare spectacle, both teams shared the points in a match that encapsulated the excitement of T20 cricket—where dominance shifted multiple times, and composure under pressure made all the difference.
With Learoyd’s anchoring knock and Holland’s match-defining spell, Somerset showed grit. Hampshire, led by McCaughan’s brilliance and a fearless finish, proved equally resilient. A tie, perhaps, was the only fair result.