Somerset advanced to the One-Day Cup final after a thrilling 23-run win against defending champions Leicestershire in a high-scoring semi-final at Taunton, where a total of 645 runs were scored.
Somerset, who last won the 50-over final at Lord’s in 2019 before the competition was restructured, will now face Glamorgan, the 2021 champions, at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on Sunday, September 22.
After being sent in to bat by Leicestershire, Somerset capitalised on the opportunity, amassing a formidable 334-4 in their 50 overs. Lewis Goldsworthy played a starring role, scoring an unbeaten 115 off just 86 balls, supported by James Rew’s solid 71.
Leicestershire’s chase was led by Australia’s Peter Handscomb, who hit a valiant 111, keeping his side in contention. However, as the run rate climbed, the pressure mounted. When Handscomb was finally dismissed by Jack Davey, Leicestershire's hopes faded.
Somerset's innings began steadily, with openers Andy Umeed and George Thomas putting on 91 runs in the first 19 overs. Tom Scriven broke the partnership by removing Thomas for 47, followed by Umeed, who was dismissed for 57 by Roman Walker eight overs later.
Somerset then accelerated the pace with a 121-run stand in 17 overs between Goldsworthy, who had played for Leicestershire in this year’s T20 Blast, and Rew. Sean Dickson and Benny Green added some late fireworks, pushing the total to 334-4.
Leicestershire started their reply with a brisk 33 off 28 balls from Sol Budinger. However, their innings faltered when they lost captain Lewis Hill, opener Ian Holland, and Indian star Ajinkya Rahane for just 20 runs in the space of 25 balls.
A glimmer of hope remained when Handscomb and Ben Cox forged a 131-run partnership over 20 overs. But on the very ground where he had made his debut as a 17-year-old, Cox was caught behind off Kasey Aldridge. Aldridge then played a key role in dismissing Louis Kimber and Liam Trevaskis in quick succession.
Leicestershire's final collapse came when Handscomb was eventually out, ending their chances of a repeat of last year's miraculous comeback in the final. Somerset’s disciplined bowling and crucial wickets at key moments ensured their place in the final showdown against Glamorgan.