Cricket

Somerset's Andy Umeed led his team to a resounding seven-wicket victory over Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the Metro Bank One Day Cup at Wantage Road. Umeed's commanding 63 off 66 balls, including six fours and two sixes, propelled Somerset to a comfortable chase of 156.Northamptonshire's innings was anchored by Saif Zaib's lone hand of 57, but they were bundled out for 155 inside 38 overs. Josh Davey's early double strike and Archie Vaughan's maiden senior wicket contributed to the Steelbacks' collapse.Somerset's chase got off to a blistering start as Umeed and George Thomas raced to 50 off just 31 balls. Thomas' dismissal for 28 brought Lewis Goldsworthy to the crease, who continued the momentum with a fluent 20.Umeed reached his half-century with a nonchalant pull for four and later launched a towering six over deep midwicket. However, he was eventually caught behind for 63, leaving James Rew and Sean Dickson to guide Somerset home.Somerset's victory will boost their confidence ahead of next month's Vitality Blast T20 quarter-final against Northamptonshire. The match also marked a crucial early breakthrough for Somerset, who had been tormented by Prithvi Shaw in last season's corresponding fixture. Shaw was dismissed for 12, giving Somerset a much-needed psychological edge.

Somerset's Andy Umeed continued his impressive form in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, guiding his team to a three-wicket victory over Kent Spitfires at Taunton. Umeed's unbeaten 114 off 121 balls proved crucial as Somerset chased down a target of 268 with 3.3 overs to spare.Kent had posted a competitive total of 267 all out in 49 overs, with Joey Evison and Grant Stewart scoring half-centuries. However, Somerset's left-arm spinner Lewis Goldsworthy claimed career-best List A figures of 4 for 44, while seamer Alfie Ogborne took 3 for 58.Somerset's chase got off to a shaky start, losing George Thomas early. However, Umeed and James Rew steadied the innings with a 133-run partnership. Rew reached his half-century off 47 balls, while Umeed followed suit off 62 deliveries.Rew was eventually dismissed for 71, but Umeed continued to anchor the innings. He shared a 40-run stand with Sean Dickson before the latter fell for 23. Josh Thomas and Kasey Aldridge also departed cheaply, but Leach and Umeed kept Somerset in the hunt.Umeed reached his century with a six off Charlie Stobo, and Somerset eventually reached their target with 3.3 overs remaining. The victory gives Somerset a strong start to their Group A campaign, while Kent will be disappointed to have let slip a winning position.