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Somerset smashed multiple world records as they defeated the Derbyshire Falcons in the fourth quarter-final. The side posted a massive total of 265 runs which is the highest score in T20 Blast history. Similarly, they also bundled out the Falcons for just 74 runs, registering the biggest victory margin.
This massive total was built on the back of the thunderous partnership between English batter Tom Banton and Rilee Rossouw. The Englishman scored 73 in 41 balls but Rossouw was the true star of the show as he smashed 94 runs in just 36 balls that included eight fours and seven sixes.
But the pinnacle of his knock was the 14th over against Mattie McKiernan where he went on to score 34 runs. Rossouw kickstarted the over with three consecutive sixes and then hit a four while concluding the over with two more sixes. McKiernan ended the game by conceding 82 runs in his four overs.
After the match, Somerset Head Coach, Jason Kerr praised his team for the performance and lauded their intent. He said, “We know what we’re capable of, but when it comes together like that you’ve got to be happy. To have got that score was very pleasing. What pleased me most was people taking responsibility. There’s so much talent in the group and I still don’t think that we’ve peaked yet.”
Whereas Derbyshire's head coach, Mickey Arthur expressed the humiliation the team has suffered with this result. "It was embarrassing," he said. "We are not happy with simply reaching quarter-finals and tonight we didn't execute our skills. We were tentative, didn't field well and didn't nail our skills with the ball, with the exception of George Scrimshaw, who was outstanding. It was very disappointing because I felt we bottled it."