Twitter Reactions
‘The T20 blast is the class’ – Fans express happiness as Somerset ends 18-year wait to win T20 Blast as they beat Essex at Edgbaston
In order to capture the second title, Somerset thrashed Essex by 14 runs in the Vitality Blast 2023 final on Sunday at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Meanwhile, they last won the title in 2005, upsetting Lancashire Lightning at The Oval in London in the final match. Notably, the previous time Somerset won the T20 Blast, it was under the captaincy of Graeme Smith, who struck an unbeaten 64 runs to guide the team to victory in 2005.
Meanwhile, the highest-achieving sides are Leicestershire and Hampshire, which have lifted the league title three times. In addition, Somerset has now won the league title twice, alongside Kent, Northants, and Notts, while Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex, Birmingham, Lancashire, Worcestershire, and Essex have each lifted the trophy once. Notably, with the help of Ish Sodhi (3/22), Lewis Gregory (2/25), and Matt Henry (4/24), Somerset managed to successfully defend 145 runs.
Furthermore, Essex’s batting lineup was completely collapsed by Somerset’s pacers. Notably, Essex’s campaign got off to a poor start as it lost its first five wickets for 55 runs in a mere eight overs. On top of that, Daniel Sam’s put up an impressive fight with a 26-ball 45, but it was eventually insufficient to chase the target in front of Somerset bowlers who were too good while defending 145 runs.
It becomes harder each time you come back: Gregory
“It feels pretty damn good. I’ve been to finals day many, many times, and this is a special feeling to get over the line. Everyone sees Somerset as the nearly-men, and it becomes harder each time you come back. I was just praying we had a couple of guys who were having one of those days where you just can’t stop them. We did it the hard way throughout the day; it’s just rewards,” winning Captain Lewis Gregory said, being quoted by NDTV Sports.
“At the end of the day we were outplayed. I think they (Somerset) bowled exceptionally. Unfortunately, sometimes there’s a loser and that’s us tonight,” Essex skipper Simon Harmer said after losing the final game.
Look out here at how the fans reacted:
Somerset defending a relatively low total .. are absolutely excellent in the field … #T20Blast
— Glen H 🏴⚒🏏 (@Glen_WHU64) July 15, 2023
The T20 Blast is class 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/UE7lcLR42L
— Chris Davis (@CornHoleDavis) July 15, 2023
Somerset win T20 Blast for first time in 18 years https://t.co/we6G5ihJpw
— Post Series (@ThePostSeries) July 16, 2023
July in the UK at the cricket😍 #T20Blast pic.twitter.com/g9Iylmui3J
— Beth Merrick (@Bethmerrick2) July 15, 2023
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Vitality blast is a vibe— Cricket Rants (@Jerk1311) July 15, 2023
People say ind vs wi test match is boring and go on to watch tinpot leagues like T20 blast at midnight 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Starlord (@NotTheDarkBlade) July 15, 2023
Somerset are Vitality T20 Blast Champions!
What a way to make the victory memorable!
Fantastic catch by Kolher – Cadmore! #Blast23#FinalsDay#ESSvSOMpic.twitter.com/yhM7fTfjFO
— Nilesh G (@oye_nilesh) July 15, 2023
Brilliant end to T20 blast…. @NBThieves We shall overcome!! pic.twitter.com/uJbLqKffKT
— PAUL HAUGHEY (@p_haughey) July 15, 2023
Some controversy over the start, but it’s Lanky the Giraffe who wins the 2023 Vitality T20 Blast Mascot Race!#FinalsDay #T20Blast #cricket #Blast23 pic.twitter.com/LMONzihRyH
— T20 Blast Podcast (@T20BlastPod) July 15, 2023
The best team in the tournament win the tournament. AND WHAT A WAY TO DO IT!
For the first time since 2005, IT’S SOMERSET’S TROPHY!
THEY ARE THE 2023 VITALITY T20 BLAST CHAMPIONESSSSSSS!
Congratulations, @SomersetCCC! #FinalsDay #T20Blast #Blast23 #Cricket #WeAreSomerset pic.twitter.com/cPrWbqHLk9
— T20 Blast Podcast (@T20BlastPod) July 15, 2023
2nd #T20Blast title for #Somerset 🏆pic.twitter.com/ZzuOy9nkSx
— 𝕿𝖆𝖑𝖍𝖆 𝕭𝖎𝖓 𝕹𝖆𝖘𝖎𝖒 (@TalhaBinNasim) July 15, 2023
Champions ✨️ #T20Blast pic.twitter.com/Zekf5jvLoK
— Asim Gorsi 🇵🇰 (@asimgorsi10) July 16, 2023