In a high-scoring one-day clash, South Australia (SA) faced a 22-run defeat against reigning champions Western Australia (WA). The match witnessed a total of 720 runs scored.
In WA’s innings, they posted a formidable total of 371 for 7 at Allan Border Field in Brisbane. Sam Whiteman top-scored for WA with 89, and Ashton Turner played a blistering innings, scoring 86 from just 44 balls. Nick Hobson’s quick 24-ball half-century in the last 10 overs added further impetus to their innings, as WA scored 122 runs in that period.
In reply, SA’s chase was anchored by Daniel Drew, who played an excellent innings of 120 from 119 balls. He formed crucial partnerships with Henry Hunt (47 from 71 balls) and Nathan McSweeney (51 from 44). However, despite Drew’s efforts and these partnerships, SA fell short, managing 349 for 8 from their 50 overs.
SA’s chances of victory were hampered by a middle-order slump, where they lost 5 wickets for just 98 runs. D’Arcy Short played a key role for WA, taking 3 wickets for 81 runs from his eight overs.
In WA’s innings, Short and Josh Philippe departed early, leaving WA at 34 for 2 in the ninth over. However, Cameron Bancroft (66) and Sam Whiteman (89) built a crucial 105-run partnership for the third wicket. Bancroft, known for his prolific run-scoring, struck eight fours in his innings but was dismissed by Nathan McAndrew. Ashton Turner then played a sensational innings, scoring a half-century in just 28 balls, including five sixes and three fours, during a 119-run partnership with Whiteman.
Despite Whiteman being dropped in the 70s, WA posted a formidable total, ultimately securing their second win of the early season, maintaining their status as defending champions.