Victoria thrash NSW to secure berth in one-day final
Victoria have secured a spot in the One-Day Cup final after defeating NSW by eight wickets on the back of blistering knocks from Campbell Kellaway and Peter Handscomb.
In reply to NSW's 310 in Sunday's clash at Cricket Central in Sydney, Victoria reached the victory target with a whopping 74 balls to spare.
Kellaway (117 not out off 101 balls) and Handscomb (91no off 52 balls) led the way, combining for an unbeaten 145-run stand on the way to the bonus-point win.
Victoria will now meet South Australia in the March 1 final, with the ladder-leading Redbacks earning hosting rights.
Peter Handscomb puts Victoria into the #OneDayCup final!They chase down NSW's 310 with a bonus point! 🤯 Scorecard: https://t.co/TtifCICbBc pic.twitter.com/ozsw0pxLKJ
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 23, 2025
Victoria started the last round of the season in fourth spot on the ladder.
But third-placed Queensland's shock loss to last-placed WA opened the door for Victoria to leapfrog NSW, who started the round in second.
Things were going swimmingly for the Vics when NSW crashed to 6-181 following the departure of Jack Edwards in the 34th over.
It looked set to become 7-181 next ball - only for Handscomb to drop an absolute sitter at square leg.
Chris Green was facing his first ball when he skied Sam Elliott to Handscomb, who bobbled the simplest of catches.
Green went on to make 57 off 47 balls among a 117-run partnership with Lachlan Shaw (80 off 67), helping lift NSW above 300.
We've bowled NSW out for 310. Murph and Sidds lead the way with 3 wickets a piece, with Sutho also grabbing 2 #vicsdoitbetter pic.twitter.com/z5tZYQ0YlS
— Victorian Cricket Team (@VicStateCricket) February 23, 2025
A 106-run opening stand between Kellaway and Harry Dixon (57 off 37 balls) set up Victoria's run chase, with Handscomb joining in on the fun once Marcus Harris departed for 37.
Handscomb received a life on eight when wicketkeeper Josh Philippe grassed a tough one-handed diving attempt.
He was still on eight when he survived a tight lbw shout.
Handscomb made the most of the reprieves to produce a vital knock, cracking 12 fours and two sixes in a raw display of power and finesse.
Kellaway was equally impressive, with his 13 fours and three sixes lifting him to a maiden One-Day Cup century.
It marked a disappointing end to the season for NSW, who entered their last match of the regular season in second spot but knowing a loss would cost them a berth in the final.
Blues opener Sam Konstas made a scratchy 18 off 38 balls before charging down the wicket to Todd Murphy (3-46) and being stumped.
Murphy sent Moises Henriques (15) and Oliver Davies (24 off 20 balls) packing as NSW went from 1-96 to 6-181 despite a defiant knock from Matthew Gilkes (72 off 74 balls).
Handscomb's dropped catch was an important turning point, with Shaw and Green taking control of the innings from that point.
But Victoria made light work of the big chase, going at more than eight runs an over to not only snare the win, but also the bonus point.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ugle-Hagan addresses teammates on Whitten Oval return
Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has addressed teammates on his return to Whitten Oval for the first time since taking a leave of absence seven weeks ago. Ugle-Hagan fronted the Dogs' playing group on Monday, in a move that could open the door for the troubled forward to return to action this year. The 23-year-old is expected to resume training on Tuesday with an eye towards a possible playing comeback through the VFL. Ugle-Hagan hasn't played a game this season while dealing with personal issues, and has been unable to regularly train with the Bulldogs since late last year. The 2020 No.1 draft pick recently visited a health retreat in northern NSW in an effort to get his life and career back on track. He also spent time in Sydney. Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge last week raised the prospect of Ugle-Hagan resuming his 67-game AFL career with the club. "He's come back from a month of doing everything he can to sort of refocus and work out what's next in his life and the next steps, and the proposition of playing some football is there," Beveridge said on Wednesday. "Whether it's in the distance or whether it's a month-and-a-half away, I couldn't tell you. "But we're hoping to have him back in it at the football club really soon and that's about all I can tell you." The AFL would need to approve Ugle-Hagan's comeback because he has been under the league's mental health plan since taking leave. Ugle-Hagan has also been the subject of trade speculation this year, with the Sydney Swans considered possible suitors. However, Beveridge recently swatted away suggestions Ugle-Hagan could be on the move at the end of the season, declaring him "our player". "I've got no thoughts that he won't be here next year," Beveridge said earlier this month. Ugle-Hagan's return comes with the Bulldogs (7-6) sitting ninth on the ladder, one win outside the top eight, ahead of a clash with Richmond on Sunday.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
NRL world in uproar over 'ridiculous' scenes amid crushing blow for Origin hopeful
Haumole Olakau'atu's hopes of playing a part in this year's Origin series for the Blues have taken a crushing blow after the Manly star dislocated his shoulder in Friday night's NRL defeat to the Titans. The bottom-placed Gold Coast stunned the Sea Eagles in a 28-8 flogging, with Daly Cherry-Evans failing to fire after being axed as Maroons skipper earlier in the week. But another controversial Bunker call left fans seeing red as under-fire Titans coach Des Hasler got one over his former club to ease some of the pressure off his shoulders. Manly's 20-point loss sees them lose further ground on the top-eight but their pain was compounded by a second half injury to Olakau'atu that could sideline the forward for at least six weeks and ruin his chances of an Origin recall. Olakau'atu was part of NSW's extended squad for Game 1 but passed up the chance to train with the Blues ahead of Game 2, so he could stay close to his partner for the birth of their second child. However, Olakau'atu's hopes of forcing his way into Blues coach Laurie Daley's Game 3 side were dealt a horror blow in a second half incident that could have dire ramifications for Manly as well. RELATED: Calls for immediate change amid apparent NSW rule breach Nathan Cleary comes clean amid rumour around Mary Fowler The Sea Eagles wrecking ball looked to have scored a try to get an out-of-sorts Manly back in the game. But a superb try-saving tackle from axed Maroons star Beau Fermor dislodged the footy as Olakau'atu fell awkwardly on his right arm. The Manly star was in obvious discomfort and their fears were realised when he was escorted from the field and the shoulder dislocation was confirmed. Manly coach Anthony Seibold confirmed after the game that Olakau'atu is set for an extended stint on the sidelines. "My understanding is if there's bone damage he'll need a reconstruction, if it's muscle or ligaments only he could potentially rehab it over six weeks, but he's going to be gone for a while," he said. "But it probably summed up our night - he's going for a try and dislocates his shoulder." The injury capped off a grim night for the Sea Eagles, who trailed 22-8 at halftime and failed to score a point in the second forty. Alofiana Khan-Pereira's first half double helped Gold Coast jump out to a big lead and saw him become the fastest man to 50 tries in the NRL era - reaching the milestone in just his 52nd game. Khan-Pereira was also at the centre of the game's biggest controversy after being awarded a first half penalty during an aerial contest with Manly opposite, Jason Saab. The wingers both went up for a high ball, but Saab misjudged his leap and made minimal contact with the Titans winger, who spilled the ball close to his tryline. The Sea Eagles looked set to get the footy back in prime attacking position but Bunker official Chris Butler pinged Saab for making contact with the Titans star in mid-air. Cherry-Evans summed up the frustrations of fans by describing the decision as "outrageous", with veteran commentator Phil Gould suggesting it was yet another example of the Bunker officials having very little feel for the game. "Oh please, did we miss a meeting or something? When did they come up with this?," Gould questioned on Nine after comparing it to Brian To'o's sin-bin in Origin Game 1. "I don't know what goes through their heads that they work themselves in a position where they're looking for those types of things now. Why? Who put them up to this? That's not how the game is played, nor should it be the way the game is refereed." NRL great Brad Fittler added: "(Saab) barely touched him - he touched his hip. It's a big call. It would be interesting if Garrick catches the ball and scores. Do they go back to the touch? There was nothing more than a touch." The @NRL bunker has truly lost the plot on kick contests. Manly epically stiffed by a ridiculous ruling or 'outrageous' as DCE said. #NRLTitansManly — retro_footy_cards (@ScanlensFooty) June 13, 2025 Dear @NRL , if even your official commentators are disgusted and sppechless about the referee and bunker decisions , you should be aware that your product has become unwatchable. Outrageous. #NRLTitansManly — Joshua (@ouk_rouk) June 13, 2025 Why do they look for penalties that simply aren't there? No one - no titans fans, Manly fans, or neutrals thought that was a penalty. #NRLTitansManly — Moz Morris (@Moz_Morris) June 13, 2025 Im out, better things to do. If you blokes wanna watch these referees take the piss then go for it. #NRLTitansManly — Pingz (@FanParanoid) June 13, 2025 Stop competing in a jump contest. Man oh man I hope these ridiculous calls dont alter big game results. Hard to watch #nrltitansmanly — Jack Buchanan (@jack11buchanan) June 13, 2025 How does the Bunker continually get it so wrong 🤦♂️ #NRLTitansManly — Eden Richards (@Eden_Richards) June 13, 2025
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
David Beckham ‘immensely proud' of knighthood in King's Birthday Honours
Former England captain David Beckham said he is 'immensely proud' to have been given a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours. The sports star, who celebrated his 50th birthday last month, is being honoured for services to sport and charity. Sir David said in a statement to the PA news agency: 'Growing up in East London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. 'To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true. 'Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation. 'I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I'm grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment. It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I'm immensely proud and it's such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.' Sir David married his wife Victoria in 1999 and the couple share four children together – Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper. He had been set on becoming a professional footballer as a child and as a teenager he joined Manchester United as a trainee, forming part of the class of '92 that won the FA Youth Cup, along with Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville. The sports star from north east London made his Premier League debut for United in 1995 and was part of the team that earned a dramatic Champions League final victory in 1999 when they beat Bayern Munich with two late goals. In total he scored 85 goals and collected honours including six Premier League titles and two FA Cups as a footballer, before retiring from the sport in 2013. Alongside his football career Sir David has supported a number of charity causes and launched a fundraising appeal for Unicef in April ahead of his milestone 50th birthday. He has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for humanitarian aid organisation Unicef since 2005 and is a founding member of the charity Malaria No More UK's leadership council. Last year the former sports star, who has described himself as a 'huge Royalist', was named an ambassador for the King's Foundation, an educational charity established by the King in 1990. In February Sir David appeared in a video helping to launch the hunt for '35 under 35', a network of influencers who can fly the flag for the charity which reflects Charles' vision. He is also known for his stylish clothing choices, and in 1998 was named most stylish man of the year by GQ magazine and he has modelled for the likes of H&M, Armani and Boss. In 2018 he was appointed Ambassadorial President of the British Fashion Council where he assisted the BFC in its search for young British talent from all backgrounds. His wife, Victoria, turned her hand to fashion designing after her time in the Spice Girls and Sir David and their four children are often spotted at her shows. Sir David is currently a part-owner of MLS side Inter Miami, and is also the co-founder of Studio 99, the production company behind the hit Netflix series Beckham. He was formerly appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003.
