GLO vs SOM- Vitality Blast Men,Bristol, June 5, 2026 - Central & West Group D'Arcy Short Powers Gloucestershire to Comfortable Victory Over Somerset

Gloucestershire Bowlers Set the Tone

Somerset endured a difficult evening with the bat after losing opener Tom Banton to the very first ball of the match.

Early wickets continued to fall as Gloucestershire's disciplined bowling attack kept the visitors under constant pressure.

Thomas Rew provided some resistance with 27 runs from 17 balls, while captain Lewis Gregory fought hard for his 33 off 28 deliveries. Late hitting from Craig Overton, who remained unbeaten on 28 from 19 balls, helped Somerset post a respectable total.

However, Gloucestershire's bowlers shared the wickets effectively throughout the innings.

Best Gloucestershire Bowling
Matt Taylor – 2/20 (3 overs)
Duan Jansen – 2/25 (4 overs)
Marchant de Lange – 2/31 (4 overs)
Craig Miles – 1/19 (3 overs)
Jack Taylor – 1/18 (3 overs)

Somerset finished on 137/8 in 20 overs, a score that always looked below par on a good batting surface.

D'Arcy Short Leads Clinical Chase

Gloucestershire's reply began steadily before Australian star D'Arcy Short took complete control of the contest.

After the early dismissal of Miles Hammond for 12, Short unleashed a stunning counterattack, smashing 63 runs from just 34 balls.

His innings featured 8 fours and 3 sixes, striking at an impressive 185.29 and putting Somerset's bowlers under immense pressure.

Although Joe Phillips fell for 6, Gloucestershire never lost momentum.

Captain Jack Taylor played the perfect supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 34 from 21 balls, while Ben Charlesworth added a quickfire 15 not out from 10 deliveries.

The target was reached comfortably in the 15th over with more than five overs to spare.

Gloucestershire Top Scorers
D'Arcy Short – 63 (34)
Jack Taylor – 34* (21)
Ben Charlesworth – 15* (10)
Miles Hammond – 12 (10)
Somerset Bowlers Unable to Build Pressure

Somerset struggled to contain Gloucestershire's aggressive batting.

Daniel Sams was the most successful bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 21 runs, while Craig Overton picked up one wicket and maintained excellent control.

However, the remaining bowlers leaked runs at a rapid rate, allowing Gloucestershire to dominate the chase.

Best Somerset Bowling
Daniel Sams – 2/21 (3 overs)
Craig Overton – 1/21 (4 overs)
Player of the Match
D'Arcy Short (Gloucestershire)
63 runs off 34 balls
8 fours
3 sixes
Strike Rate: 185.29

Short's explosive innings ensured there were no complications in the chase and guided Gloucestershire to a convincing victory.

Match Summary

Somerset: 137/8 (20 overs)

Lewis Gregory 33 (28)
Craig Overton 28* (19)
Thomas Rew 27 (17)

Gloucestershire: 138/3 (14.1 overs)

D'Arcy Short 63 (34)
Jack Taylor 34* (21)

Result: Gloucestershire won by 7 wickets.

Gloucestershire's comprehensive performance with both bat and ball strengthened their position in the Central & West Group. Somerset, meanwhile, will look to bounce back quickly after being outplayed in all departments at Bristol.