New South Wales has survived a massive scare in the Marsh Cup, defeating reigning champions Western Australia by two wickets in a rain-affected contest at Cricket Central on Saturday.
The Blues, tasked with chasing 222 in 43 overs for victory, crawled towards the DLS target with six balls to spare despite a late collapse in Silverwater.
The hosts lost 4-11 in 19 balls at the death to bring Western Australia back into the contest, with seamer Andrew Tye taking three wickets. However, young gun Ollie Davies (30*) and bowler William Salzmann (8*) held their nerve to secure a crucial win for New South Wales.
It was Western Australia’s first loss of the season in any format.
MATCH CENTRE: New South Wales vs Western Australia scorecard
Blues opener Blake Macdonald, making his List A debut, was named player of the match after top-scoring with 81 (93), while wicketkeeper Matthew Gilkes cracked 43 (37).
“We did leave it a little bit close for comfort,” Macdonald said after the match.
“I was a bit nervous at the end, watching on from the sidelines.
“We got the job done in the end.”
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New South Wales captain Moises Henriques was dismissed for 19 in bizarre fashion, caught at mid-on after the ball had ricocheted off his teammate’s helmet.
Facing West Australian debutant Mahli Beardman, Henriques clobbered a straight drive towards Macdonald at the other end, with Hamish McKenzie accepting the catch after it bounced off the non-striker’s helmet.
Henriques begrudgingly trudged off after Macdonald offered a sheepish apology.
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Earlier, Western Australia was bowled out for 216 in 42.2 overs after New South Wales won the toss and elected to bowl first, with wicketkeeper Josh Philippe smacking 61 (60).
Salzmann claimed a career-best 4-48, while seamer Ben Dwarshuis and spinner Chris Green each snared two wickets.
New South Wales and Western Australia will face off again for a Sheffield Shield clash at the SCG next week, with the four-day contest getting underway on Monday.
