Northamptonshire secured their spot in the 2026 Vitality T20 Blast final following a 17-run victory over Somerset in the first semi-final at Edgbaston on Saturday. Though Northamptonshire had their bowlers to thank for the win, it was an incredible relay catch by David Willey and Saif Zaib that captured the headlines.
The magnificent piece of work arrived in the 18th over of Somerset's run chase when Craig Overton appeared to have launched a majestic drive over long-off. But the crowd witnessed one of the best catches of the competition.
David Willey ran and leapt into the air to pluck the ball with both hands. Noticing that he was going to clear the boundary with this momentum, the Northamptonshire captain flicked the ball back into play before landing outside the boundary, and finally Saif Zaib, who had started running in from long-off, caught the ball comfortably to send Overton back to the pavilion.
The relay effort sealed Northamptonshire's dominance and left little room for any comeback from Somerset.
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David Willey and Bowlers Shine in Semi-Final
Earlier, Northamptonshire were dismissed for 143 in 19.2 overs after being put into bat first. Chris Lynn scored 39 from 26 balls to be the leading scorer for Northamptonshire, with Saif Zaib and Lewis McManus scoring 26 and 21 respectively.
For Somerset, it was Jake Ball who played the leading role with the ball as he claimed 4 wickets for 17 runs with the ball. Riley Meredith and Craig Overton took 3 and 2 wickets respectively.
Although a small total, Northamptonshire bowlers did exceptionally well with the ball.
David Willey opened the bowling well and was rewarded with three wickets for 17 runs in his four overs. Ben Sanderson bowled as well and finished with three wickets for 18 runs in his four overs as well. James Sales, Calvin Harrison and Luke Procter took a wicket apiece.
Somerset Fall Short as Northamptonshire Reach Final
Somerset failed to create a meaningful stand in the pursuit. Will Smeed made a valiant effort, scoring 49 from 35 deliveries, while Tom Kohler-Cadmore added 29. Consistent wickets continually increased the required rate.
The magnificent relay catch to dismiss Craig Overton in the 18th over proved to be the dagger. At the end, Somerset were 126/9 from 20 overs, 17 runs short of the required total.
Northamptonshire won the match and booked a berth in the final of the Vitality T20 Blast 2026. They will now look to end their campaign with silverware.
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