South Australia defeated Victoria by 64 runs to win their first one-day cricket title in 13 years, scoring 268 for 7. Key performances included Nielsen (68), Lehmann (67), and Scott (54*). Victoria responded with 204 all out in 43.3 overs, despite a strong start. Nathan McSweeney played a crucial role in the bowling attack, taking 2 for 14, and claiming two key wickets, including captain Handscomb. Thornton stood out with 4 for 27 and was awarded the Michael Bevan medal. South Australia’s victory marks their first 50-over trophy since the 2011/12 season.
South Australia 268 for 7 (Nielsen 68, Lehmann 67, Scott 54*, Siddle 3-40, Sutherland 3-67) defeated Victoria 204 (Sutherland 50, Thornton 4-27, McAndrew 3-47) by 64 runs
In response at Adelaide Oval, Victoria was all out for 204 in 43.3 overs, enabling SA to clinch their first 50-over trophy since the 2011/12 season.
Victoria’s chase got off to a promising start, with Marcus Harris scoring 41 off 42 balls, as they reached 74 for 1 in the 14th over. However, McSweeney, who had gone wicketless throughout the tournament with his gentle offspin, made an unexpected and crucial breakthrough.
Harris attempted to create space to drive McSweeney through the offside but ended up hitting the ball directly to Jason Sangha at cover. In his following over, McSweeney struck again, dismissing the dangerous Peter Handscomb for 1. The SA captain instinctively reached out with his right hand to catch a lofted straight drive, securing an impressive catch on the second attempt.
In South Australia’s innings, Nielsen led the scoring with 68 off 93 balls, Lehmann contributed 67 from 75, and all-rounder Scott, who was named player of the tournament, finished strongly with an unbeaten 54 from 37 balls.
Victoria’s captain Sutherland captured three of the first four wickets, while veteran bowler Peter Siddle claimed 3 for 40.
SA started steadily, with openers Nielsen and Mackenzie Harvey adding 44 runs before Sutherland struck in the eighth over. Harvey, who scored 23 from 23 balls with two fours and a six, was bowled while trying to push through the off-side.
Sutherland dismissed Daniel Drew in the 14th over, followed shortly by McSweeney. When Sangha fell to Sutherland, SA found themselves in a precarious position at 118 for 4 in the 26th over, but Nielsen and Lehmann steadied the ship with a 56-run partnership.
Lehmann then teamed up with Scott for a quick 67-run stand, with Scott reaching his half-century off just 36 balls, which included seven fours and a six.