South Australia moved to the top of the One-Day Cup table following a record-breaking seven-run victory over Tasmania in a high-scoring encounter at Karen Rolton Oval on Wednesday. The match saw both sides set historical benchmarks, with South Australia posting their highest-ever domestic 50-over total before surviving a Tasmanian response that marked the highest-ever score in a domestic one-day run chase in Australia.
South Australia’s total of 383/7 was led by a century from Jake Weatherald, who scored 102 off 91 balls against his former side in his first home match since returning to the state. Jake Fraser-McGurk provided the early impetus, hitting 88 off 47 deliveries at a strike rate of 187.23, including six sixes.
The record-breaking innings continued through the middle order as Matthew Gilkes made a successful debut for the side. After transferring from New South Wales, Gilkes finished 97 not out from 65 balls to help South Australia reach their record score.
Tasmania finished on 376/8, the highest-ever team score in a domestic 50-over run chase in Australia. Captain Jordan Silk struck a career-best 142 from 106 balls, including 20 fours, to keep the Tigers in contention. Silk was named Player of the Match despite the defeat.
Wes Agar defended 18 runs from the final over to secure the result for the hosts. Tasmania captain Silk expressed satisfaction with his form but noted the narrow margins of the chase.
“Personally it’s a nice start to the summer, it would’ve obviously capped off a really nice road trip for us to go with the win in Perth and then win here, but South Australia played an excellent game of cricket as well and held their nerve towards the end,” Silk said. He added that it “maybe just felt like we were a wicket behind the whole way through” the pursuit.
The result leaves South Australia at the top of the competition standings with one win and one no-result. They next face Victoria at Junction Oval on October 12.
