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23 hours ago
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Image source, PA Media
Tom Kohler-Cadmore's 81 off 52 balls set the platform for Somerset's victory
ByGary Smee
BBC Sport at Edgbaston
Vitality Blast semi-final, Edgbaston
Somerset 182-7 (20 overs): Kohler-Cadmore 81; Balderson 3-31
Lancashire 159 all out (19.5 overs): Jennings 44; Pretorius 3-27
Somerset won by 23 runs
Somerset reached their third T20 Blast final in a row with victory over Lancashire Lightning in the first semi-final.
Tom Kohler-Cadmore's 81 off 52 balls powered Somerset to 182-7 in their 20 overs at Edgbaston.
Liam Livingstone and Keaton Jennings had Lancashire well placed in the chase at 78-2 but Kohler-Cadmore's wonderful diving catch in the deep removed Jennings for 44.
England all-rounder Livingstone struck three big sixes before he was given out lbw off Lewis Gregory despite claiming he got an inside edge and reviewing the decision.
Replays were inconclusive with the bat next to the pad and Livingstone was furious as he left the field.
At 102-4 in the 12th over when Livingstone went, Lancashire lost momentum under darkening skies and were bowled out for 159 in the final over.
Somerset will now play the winners of the second semi-final between Northamptonshire Steelbacks and Hampshire Hawks in the final later on Saturday.
Although Livingstone's wicket just as he was beginning to motor turned the game in Somerset's favour, some outstanding fielding contributed to their victory.
Kohler-Cadmore claimed two catches inches above the turf, and Gregory and Migael Pretorius also took stunning diving efforts.
Earlier, new dad Kohler-Cadmore was the only Somerset batter to find any real timing on a sticky pitch, striking six fours and four sixes as he looked on course to make the first century at Finals Day.
Lancashire paceman George Balderson (3-31) had him caught on the boundary but Craig Overton and Pretorius helped Somerset to an above par score by hitting Tom Aspinwall for 21 off the final over.
James Anderson took 2-34 in what might be his last Finals Day and came out to bat as the rain arrived in Birmingham with Somerset strolling to victory by 23 runs.
The 2023 champions have the chance to avenge last year's defeat by West Country rivals Gloucestershire in the final which is due to start at 18:45 BST.
However, with the full covers on, there will be a delay to the second semi-final which was scheduled to start at 14:30.
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