Western Australia Collapse to Dramatic Two-Run Loss Against South Australia in One-Day Cup
Western Australia suffered a shocking collapse, losing 7 wickets for just 31 runs, as South Australia’s Nathan McAndrew claimed a career-best 5 for 40 to hand his side a thrilling two-run victory in the One-Day Cup at Sydney’s Cricket Central.
Chasing a modest target of 167, Western Australia seemed in control at 133 for 3. However, McAndrew’s stunning performance with the ball turned the game on its head, dismissing the defending champions for 164 in just 38 overs. This defeat marked Western Australia’s worst start to a season since 2015 and the first time in nine years they have lost back-to-back 50-over matches.
Despite the loss, Western Australia’s Bryce Jackson delivered an outstanding bowling performance, recording the best-ever 50-over figures for the team with 6 for 31. Jackson’s early strikes helped reduce South Australia to 166 all out, with notable contributions from Daniel Drew (49) and Liam Scott (46). Jackson’s figures also marked a significant milestone in his career, having overcome multiple back injuries to debut just last summer.
After Jackson’s heroics with the ball, Western Australia looked poised for victory. Ashton Turner’s aggressive 53, along with Sam Whiteman’s 48, seemed to put the defending champions in a winning position. Turner took 16 runs off a Henry Thornton over, and Western Australia appeared to be on track for a bonus-point win.
However, McAndrew turned the tide when Whiteman was caught at deep square leg for 48, and the collapse began. Ashton Agar, Baxter Holt, and Matthew Kelly quickly followed, with McAndrew dismissing AJ Tye for a duck. When Turner was dismissed for 53, South Australia needed just one more wicket, with Western Australia requiring six runs for victory.
In the final twist, Jackson, who had earlier shone with the ball, was stumped trying to drive Ben Manenti, sealing a dramatic victory for South Australia—their first win over Western Australia since 2017.
Key Performances:
- South Australia: 166 all out in 36.4 overs (Daniel Drew 49, Liam Scott 46, Bryce Jackson 6-31)
- Western Australia: 164 all out in 38 overs (Ashton Turner 53, Sam Whiteman 48, Nathan McAndrew 5-40)
The thrilling finish left Western Australia still searching for their first win of the season.
