In a stunning display of skill and determination, allrounder Lewis Goldsworthy showcased his talent by scoring a magnificent unbeaten 115 runs to help Somerset secure a crucial 23-run victory over Leicestershire in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup semi-final clash.
The match, which took place at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton, saw Somerset post a formidable total of 334 for 4 after being put into bat. Goldsworthy’s impressive knock included five sixes and six fours, with James Rew contributing 71 runs and Andy Umeed chipping in with 57.
What made Goldsworthy’s innings even more remarkable was the fact that he had represented Leicestershire earlier in the season during the Vitality Blast. The young allrounder’s performance against his former team was truly sensational and played a key role in Somerset’s journey to the final of the tournament.
Leicestershire, in response, fought hard but fell short of the target, finishing at 311 for 9. Peter Handscomb was the standout performer for the Foxes, scoring a brilliant 111 runs off just 86 balls, which included 13 boundaries and two maximums. Ben Cox also made a valuable contribution with 49 runs.
Following the victory, Somerset will now face Glamorgan in the final showdown at Trent Bridge on September 22, setting up an exciting clash between two formidable opponents.
The match began with Somerset openers Umeed and George Thomas forming a solid partnership of 91 runs in 19 overs. Despite Thomas’s dismissal for 47 runs, Umeed continued to anchor the innings with his 76-ball knock before falling for 57 runs.
With Somerset struggling at 135 for 2 after 30 overs, Goldsworthy and Rew came to the rescue, accelerating the scoring rate and taking the team to a commanding position. Goldsworthy reached his half-century off 52 balls, while Rew followed suit off 44 deliveries.
The duo’s partnership flourished as they took the score to 251 in the 44th over before Rew was excellently caught by Louis Kimber on the boundary. Goldsworthy, however, continued his onslaught, smashing boundaries at will and eventually reaching his second List A century off 79 balls.
As Somerset piled on the runs in the final overs, skipper Sean Dickson and Ben Green also made valuable contributions to help the team post their highest-ever List A total against Leicestershire.
In their chase, Leicestershire showed glimpses of resistance, with Handscomb leading the charge with a blistering half-century. However, despite his heroic efforts, Leicestershire ultimately fell short as Somerset’s bowlers, led by Josh Davey, stifled their middle order and secured a well-deserved victory.
Overall, it was a thrilling contest between two top-quality teams, but in the end, it was Somerset’s day as they booked their spot in the final with a comprehensive victory over Leicestershire.
