Somerset Open Vitality Blast Defence Against Hampshire Hawks
Somerset begin their vitality blast title defence against Hampshire Hawks in Taunton on Friday. They are chasing something no side has done since the competition launched in 2003: win back-to-back T20 Blast crowns.
Lewis Gregory and Somerset
Lewis Gregory helped set up last September’s title with two sixes as Somerset beat Hampshire at Edgbaston in a record run-chase to claim their third title. The skipper said, "We've been incredibly consistent over five, six, seven years now."
That consistency has put Somerset back in the same position again, opening a new campaign against the same opponent they beat for the trophy. This time, they do it with the pressure of trying to become the first defending champions in the tournament’s history.
2026 format changes
The 2026 campaign gets under way in a single block before The Hundred starts. Each county will play 12 group matches instead of 14, with the competition split into three groups of six counties.
The top two teams in each group, plus the best two third-placed sides, will reach the quarter-finals. The quarter-finals and Finals Day will follow directly in July, giving counties a shorter group phase and a faster route into the knockout rounds.
For Somerset, the immediate job is clear: start the defence at home, against the side they edged last autumn. For Hampshire, Friday is a quick chance to answer the result that ended with Somerset lifting their third title.
