SOMERSET will be going into Saturday's Vitality Blast T20 Finals Day oozing with confidence after their record-breaking quarter-final win over Derbyshire last Saturday, writes Lewis Wiseman.
The Somerset squad has been in inspired form this season in the T20 competition winning 10 of their 14 group stage matches and the quarter-final summed up just how good they are.
They dismantled Derbyshire in the 191 run victory as they set the record the highest score in T20 Blast history and the highest T20 score set in England.
Taking that form into Finals Day is the next challenge and captain Tom Abell believes his side is ready to go one step further than last year.
"Confidence is really high within the group at the moment and for us we have found consistency at the right time.
"We are all very excited and we back ourselves. Obviously we want to win the competition and I believe we can win it.
"Beside that though, we know it is T20 cricket and anything can happen, in fact any of the four teams are good enough to win it.
"For now we are focussed on the semi-final first."
That semi-final is against Hampshire and is the second semi-final on the day at Edgbaston. It follows the Yorkshire Vikings vs Lancashire Lightning match and is set to start at 2.30pm.
Hampshire pulled off a comfortable 104 run win over the Birmingham Bears to secure their place in Finals Day and are a strong side.
In their meetings this year, Hampshire defeated Somerset by 14 runs in June but Somerset won the other fixture by 4 wickets in May.
Abell added that it is hard to look past that game, for now.
"Ultimately our dream goal is to win the competition but truly we have to focus on the Hampshire game first.
"We have to almost treat that as a final as well, and if we win it, then switch our attention to the next game. It is all one game at a time.
"Finals Day brings with it so much pressure and while there will be some nerves in the camp I am sure we have enough to do well."
Somerset is a T20 side that bats deep into the lineup, as has been seen this season where Roelof van der Merwe or Ben Green or Josh Davey has saved the side at the tail.
Abell said that is something that sets Somerset apart from the rest.
"We are very fortunate that our bowlers are very handy batsman as well, quite often our tail order comes up with key runs and that gives us an edge over other teams for sure.
"It allows us to plan our innings uniquely to other teams and gives the top order plenty of confidence.
To the fans going on Saturday and to those watching at home your captain thanks you.
"Our fans are incredible, they are the loudest and proudest and I can't thank you enough.
"You give us so much on matchdays and I and the rest of the team want to give you something to remember on Saturday."
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