Somerset Holds Off Surrey Despite Jason Roy's Brilliant 92

Somerset asserted early dominance in the 2025 Vitality Blast, kicking off their campaign with a comprehensive five-wicket win over arch-rivals Surrey in a rematch of last season’s semi-final. Backed by a passionate sell-out crowd in Taunton, the hosts executed a balanced, clinical performance to chase down a moderate target of 147 with 13 balls to spare. 🏏 Match Summary Surrey: 146/9 (20 overs) Somerset: 147/5 (17.5 overs) Result: Somerset won by 5 wickets 💣 Jason Roy’s Lone Stand Jason Roy was the standout for Surrey, smashing a brilliant 92 off 54 balls (6x4, 7x6). Despite a sluggish start, he exploded after the 10th over, especially against spin and pace at the death. His knock single-handedly dragged Surrey to a somewhat respectable total, as no other batter crossed 25. Roy’s dismissal in the final over ended hopes of a late surge and capped off a lacklustre batting effort apart from his fireworks. 🔥 Somerset Seamers Set the Tone Matt Henry: 3/21 Riley Meredith: 3/26 Ben Green: 2 wickets and tidy at the death Somerset’s pace trio was relentless, combining raw pace, smart variations, and discipline. Their consistent wickets prevented Surrey from ever settling in apart from the Roy-Curran stand. 🧮 Surrey’s 146 Never Felt Enough 30/2 in the powerplay – Surrey’s top order struggled early Collapse from 107/3 to 119/5 — middle and lower order failures No late acceleration — only Roy cleared the ropes consistently 💪 Somerset’s Confident Chase Will Smeed: 35 (4x4, 1x6) Tom Abell: 29* Ben Green: 23* (cameo finisher) Somerset’s reply was steady, even when Surrey managed brief breakthroughs. The opening stand of 45 between Smeed and Banton set a strong foundation. Abell and Green finished calmly, navigating spin and pace without panic. 🔑 Turning Points Roy’s missed hundred aside, Somerset never let the pressure mount in the chase. Gregory’s no-ball reprieve of Roy (on 71) was a hiccup but didn’t cost them in the end. Somerset’s death bowling was exemplary — 5 wickets fell in the last 7 overs. 📣 Crowd & Rivalry A lively Taunton crowd relished every moment of this fiery rivalry. After last year’s semi-final loss, Surrey were eager for revenge, but Somerset once again proved the stronger unit on the day. 🧠 Takeaways Surrey: Need more middle-order support and sharper starts. Roy can't do it alone. Somerset: Showcased their depth, control, and finishing strength, especially with both bat and ball. Somerset 147 for 5 (Smeed 35, Abell 29*, Majid 2-26) beat Surrey 146 for 9 (Roy 92, Henry 3-21) by five wickets