< Back to Somerset reach Vitality T20 County Cup Finals Day
Facebook Twitter linkedin Link

Somerset reach Vitality T20 County Cup Finals Day

SCORECARD

Sophie Luff led by example as Somerset overcame Hampshire Hawks by 35 runs in the quarter-final of the Vitality T20 County Cup at Utilita Bowl Nursey Ground.

The Somerset skipper top scored with 80 and shared a crucial 96-run stand with Heather Knight as the visitors clinched a place at Finals Day at Emirates Old Trafford on Saturday.

Former England captain Knight, who played in her first professional game since her bow out from internationals, made 44 as Somerset posted 207/7, with 17-year-old all-rounder Eliza Bristowe taking three for 38 – her first wickets as a professional cricketer.

Lola Harris then claimed three for 18 from four overs as Hampshire Hawks were bowled out for 172 in the final over.

After being invited to bat first, Somerset had raced to 29 before Bex Odgers (22), who dominated the opening partnership with Luff, fell to the final ball of the third over.

Emma Corney then came to the crease and continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over with 15 from seven.

When Knight joined Luff the score was 73 for two but the third wicket pair advanced their side to 169 before the former England Captain was bowled by Georgia Adams, her runs coming from 30 deliveries.

Luff’s 50 came from 37 balls and the Somerset 150 arrived in the 16th over.

Pacer Poppy Tulloch then had Luff caught by Bristowe off a top edge for 80 off 51, but Charlie Dean made sure Somerset sailed past the 200 mark with 21 from 11 balls.

The Hawks too got off to a quick start in their reply, taking 10 runs off each of the first two overs, but Ellie Anderson had Adams caught at short fine leg for nine to end what has been a stellar week for the Hampshire captain, having won The Hundred, signed a contract extension, and scored a century in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup all within four days of each other.

Ella McCaughan then feathered Alex Griffiths behind and the Hawks were struggling at 57 for two in the powerplay – ten runs behind their opponents at the same stage.

Nancy Harman brought some impetus to the innings with a brisk 24, but tight bowling from leg spinner Harris ensured the visitors never relinquished control of the game.

At the halfway stage, the Hawks needed another 101 runs to win, but Harris had Rhianna Southby caught on the deep for seven in an over that conceded just four runs.

Francesca Sweet and Abi Norgrove partnered for 54 runs, but the required rate was always climbing. The former made 34 before she was well-caught by Dean at long on, just after Norgrove raised her bat for her half-century.

With 49 runs needed off the final three overs, the Hawks needed boundaries, but a double-wicket over from Harris removed Norgrove and Bristowe with just two runs coming off it, to all but seal the win for the visitors, and Charlie Dean rounded off the innings with back-to-back wickets to see her side to Finals Day.

Images courtesy of Jack RubioÂ