Somerset emerged victorious by 14 runs against Essex from a thrilling 14-run final of Vitality Blast 2023 at Edgbaston. The game featured thrilling performances from both teams but it was the Somerset bowlers who ultimately secured victory for the eventual champions.

For the second time on finals day, Somerset defended a total under 150 - this time to claim the T20 Blast trophy for the first time in 18 years. This was Somerset's sixth appearance in the final of the tournament, finishing second best in four of those. They enjoyed an incredible run in the league stage (12 wins from 14 games) and overcame their last fool to get their name on the trophy for only the second time in their history.

New Zealanders Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi took seven wickets together as Somerset beat Essex by 14 runs to win the Twenty20 Blast final of English cricket at Edgbaston on Saturday. While Southwest Somerset defended a relatively modest total of 145, paceman Henry led the attack 4-24 from 3.3 overs while leg spinner Sodhi was 3-22 from his maximum four overs as Essex had nine balls to go was sent off for 131. Adam Rossington and Dan Lawrence got off to a fast start to aim for Essex's 146 target, but Henry fired both batsmen before overwhelming Michael Pepper with an excellent delivery.

However, Daniel Sams threatened to win the game on his own for Essex with a quick 45 from 26 balls.

But just as the East of London club were eyeing a notable win, Sams punched Henry towards the third man for what looked like another boundary, only to be brilliantly caught by a leaping one-handed Tom Kohler-Cadmore to become as Somerset won their first Blast title in 18 years.

"It feels damn good, I've been to finals day many, many times and it's a special feeling to cross the finish line tonight," said Somerset captain Lewis Gregory.

Essex captain Simon Harmer said: "At the end of the day we were outplayed. I think they (Somerset) bowled exceptionally well. Unfortunately sometimes there is a loser and that is us tonight.”

Earlier on finals day in Birmingham, Somerset beat Surrey by 24 runs in the semi-finals, while Essex beat defending champions Hampshire by five wickets on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method of rain-related games.