Warriors smash NSW to claim one-day title
Western Australia defied the odds to end their 11-year domestic one-day cup drought with a 64-run win over NSW in Sydney.
At 2-125 NSW seemed on track to haul in WA’s 6-255 against a depleted attack, following a century partnership between Shane Watson and Kurtis Patterson.
The Warriors’ attack suffered a major blow with the side’s equal leading wicket-taker Joel Paris exiting the field in just his second over with a calf injury, leaving part-timers Ashton Turner and Adam Voges to fill the void.
Jason Behrendorff (R) was the star with the ball for WA. Photo: Getty
However, the WA attack, led by Jason Behrendorff (5-27), remained disciplined throughout the innings.
Test allrounder Watson top-scored for the Blues with a comfortable and chanceless 83 off 100 balls, including three sixes, in just his second match back from a five-month injury lay-off.
Watson and Kurtis Patterson (44) put on 115 for the third wicket after the Blues had been teetering at 2-10.
WA brought pace spearhead Nathan Coulter-Nile back into the attack to try and stem the tide but it was Behrendorff that ended the partnership, bowling Patterson.
Ashton Agar had Watson out, when he feathered one to the wicket-keeper, and when Ryan Carters fell in the next over it marked the beginning of the end for NSW.
An intelligent 96 from Michael Klinger was the cornerstone of the WA innings. Klinger was only denied a century after being dismissed in the final over thanks to a stunning outfield catch from Blues fast-bowler Pat Cummins.
WA’s top-four all made important contributions as they reached 6-255 off their allotted overs.
Marcus Harris got the innings off to a flier with a breezy 33 off 22 deliveries, while there were important contributions also from Craig Simmons (47) and captain Voges (40).