D’Arcy Short delivered a breathtaking innings of 63 from just 34 balls, smashing three sixes and eight fours, as Gloucestershire comfortably chased down Somerset’s total to win by seven wickets in a decisive Vitality Blast match at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol.
Gloucestershire’s comprehensive performance began with their bowlers restricting Somerset to 137 for 8. Marchant de Lange, Duan Jansen, and Matt Taylor each took two wickets, putting immense pressure on the title holders. Lewis Gregory top-scored for Somerset with 33 runs off 28 balls, but it wasn’t enough to build a challenging total. Somerset’s batting lineup, already weakened by injuries, faltered early with the loss of Tom Banton to the first ball.
Throughout the innings, Gloucestershire’s bowlers held firm, consistently breaking partnerships. Josh Thomas attempted a brief counterattack with 21 runs off 12 balls, but wickets fell regularly, leaving Somerset struggling at 79 for 7 by the 14th over. Only a late 49-run partnership between Lewis Gregory and Craig Overton offered some resistance, with Overton finishing 28 not out.
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Chasing 138, Gloucestershire were in control from the outset. Short’s powerful hitting took full advantage of the powerplay, which yielded 61 runs and put the home side firmly in command. His rapid 22-ball fifty included seven boundaries and three sixes, dismantling Somerset’s bowling attack. After Short’s departure, Jack Taylor carried the momentum with 34 not out off 21 balls, clinching victory with ease.
Gloucestershire captain Jack Taylor praised his team’s relentless performance, highlighting their disciplined bowling and aggressive batting approach. “We set the tone from the first ball and kept the pressure on throughout,” Taylor said. “Taking four wickets in the powerplay really set us up.”
Somerset’s head coach Jason Kerr acknowledged the difficulties faced by his side. “Losing early wickets in the powerplay put us under tremendous pressure,” Kerr said. “With injuries forcing young players into key roles, it’s been a tough challenge to perform consistently, especially in the high-pressure environment of T20 cricket.”
This loss marks Somerset’s third consecutive defeat in the Central and West Group, while Gloucestershire’s emphatic win boosts their confidence in the ongoing Vitality Blast campaign.