Victoria 240 for 7 (Harris 63, Swepson 3-38). Queensland 234 (Khawaja 57, Murphy 3-38) by six runs
Murphy took 3 for 38 as Queensland collapsed from 106 for 1 in the 24th over to 205 for 9 in 46 in pursuit of 241. That figure was 19 for 6 after three excellent overs by captain Will Sutherland, Fergus O’Neill and Peter Siddle giving up just 15 runs.
Neser faced two wickets from Sam Elliott in the final over before hitting two big sixes to pull the Bulls within seven runs of victory with two balls to spare. But a groundout came out before he drove in Jono Merlo’s deep catch that went into the sunset to end the game. Neser finished with 49 from 41 balls.
“It was great that we were able to stay in it,” Murphy said after the game. “I think when the ball gets a little bit bigger, it gets softer, it’s harder to hit it with. And I think we knew, especially the way their team was organized, that they were very heavy at the top. So if we can succeed, at any time and get new hitters and press him with the soft ball and -dressed wicket was always going to be difficult.”
Victoria was able to hold on despite Neser’s late heroics. His stand-in captain Swepson was full of praise for his efforts.
“Ness played unbelievable on a difficult wicket, it looked like it was going to get tougher at the end,” said Swepson. “For him to get us into the game on that last end, his incredible knock. Unfortunately, we just fell short.”
Queensland thought they had done enough with the ball, restricting Victoria to 240 for 7 after winning the toss. Harris made a crucial 63 to hold the innings together before Sutherland (31 not out) and Elliott (32) produced late heroics as they did against Tasmania, sharing 63 runs from 35 balls. last to send the winning amount. .
Harris is happy to spend time in the middle after missing the opening game against Tasmania. But he was more than happy to talk about his one-handed takedown of Hugo Burdon.
“I’m not moving very well so I thought I’d better put my hand out and see what happens,” said Harris. “It was luck more than anything.”
This win lifts Victoria to the top of the One-Day Cup after two rounds with two wins. Queensland leaves Melbourne with just two points after being beaten by Tasmania.
Source link
