Nathan McAndrew’s five wicket haul against South Australia set off an incredible collapse for Western Australia, which ended in a two-run loss and elimination from the One-Day Cup after two games.
At Sydney’s Cricket Central, Western Australia appeared to be winning at 133 for 3, chasing South Australia’s 166, two days after being defeated by New South Wales.
But in the 38th over, Western Australia was all out for 164 thanks to a career-best 5 for 40 from McAndrew, who claimed career-best List A numbers.
The three-time reigning champions lost badly. This is the first time Western Australia has lost back-to-back 50-over matches in nine years, and it also marks their poorest season opening start since 2015.
Even though fast Bryce Jackson had the greatest stats for Western Australia in the competition’s history—6 for 31—the loss still occurred.
Although Jackson was long regarded as a promising talent in Western Australia, he was unable to make his debut until last summer at the age of 24, due to a string of serious back ailments.
After collecting 3 for 67 in his debut against Tasmania in February, the right-arm quick decided to take a chance on Tuesday with Jhye Richardson rested.
In his opening over, he caught Henry Hunt behind with a ball that swung away, and in his subsequent over, he got Mackenzie Harvey and Daniel Drew.
Furthermore, Jackson went back to get rid of both Liam Scott (46), and Daniel Drew (49), who had been steadiing the ship towards South Australia, before outpacing McAndrew on the hook shot.
Heavyweights in the competition seemed to be in control of the match, but Western Australia faltered early in their pursuit.
A bonus-point victory appeared most likely with Ashton Turner going after Henry Thornton, taking him for six and taking 16 off another over.
However, the match took a violent turn when Thomas Kelly was deep square leg on 48 and Sam Whiteman pulled Wes Agar down his throat.
As the West Australians lost all control of the match, Ashton Agar and Baxter Holt followed in McAndrew’s footsteps.
And even after McAndrew clean bowled AJ Tye for a duck in his next ball after having Matthew Kelly caught behind, Western Australia needed 10 to win.
After that, Ben Manenti struck the decisive punch when he removed Turner at 53, leaving Lance Morris and Jackson with six runs needed to take the last wicket.
Also Read: England search answers against impressive world champions
In the end, Jackson’s attempt to drive Manenti was unsuccessful, depriving him of a fantastic day and giving South Australia their first victory over Western Australia since 2017.
Home