Northamptonshire reached their first T20 Blast final in 10 years after a gritty 17-run victory over the reigning champions, Somerset, in the opening semi-final at Edgbaston. Captain David Willey played a pivotal role, delivering a match-winning performance that included 3 for 17 and a spectacular relay catch at the boundary to stifle Somerset’s chase.
Sent into bat, the Steelbacks struggled on a grippy surface, posting 143 all out. Jake Ball proved difficult to handle, claiming 4 for 17, which stands as the joint-best figures in a Blast semi-final. Chris Lynn top-scored for Northamptonshire with 39 off 26 balls, though support remained limited as only two other teammates reached 20. Earlier in the innings, Ricardo Vasconcelos hit three boundaries before being dismissed via a controversial DRS review, and Craig Overton removed Nathan McSweeney shortly after. Willey himself was caught by Lewis Gregory for 6, leaving the side reeling at 26 for 3 before a 65-run partnership between Lynn and Zaib provided some stability.
Somerset’s chase began disastrously, falling to 12 for 3 by the third over as Willey dismissed Tom Banton, and Ben Sanderson removed Thomas Rew. James Rew was later bowled by Willey. Will Smeed attempted a dramatic recovery, scoring 28 runs in a single over bowled by Luke Procter, but his innings ended on 49 after a brilliant diving catch by wicketkeeper Lewis McManus. The scoring rate slowed significantly as James Sales and Calvin Harrison bowled economically through the middle overs.
Willey returned to dismiss Lewis Gregory, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s 29 off 37 balls ended soon after. With 40 runs required from the final 20 balls, Craig Overton struck a boundary but was then caught by an athletic Willey at long-on. Although Daniel Sams hit a six off Sanderson, Procter conceded only two runs in the penultimate over while taking Sams' wicket. Sanderson finished the job, securing the 17-run win.
Following the match, Willey praised his team's defensive effort and highlighted the importance of taking key catches in high-pressure moments. He noted that while the team felt they were slightly short of a par score, their ability to squeeze Somerset and execute under pressure proved decisive in ending the reign of the defending champions.
