South Australia’s hopes of bouncing back in the One-Day Cup were dashed, losing to an experienced Western Australia side by 66 runs at Karen Rolton Oval.
Led by first time SA skipper Jason Sangha, the team were buoyed by the inclusion of debutant Hanno Jacobs.
Western Australia got off to a fast start, with openers Sam Fanning and Joel Curtis aggressive from the outset. But the opening partnership was short lived thanks to some sharp work by Harry Nielson behind the stumps. The breakthrough was not only a huge moment in the game, but also for Harry Manenti, who claimed his first One-Day Cup wicket.
Jacobs was instrumental with the ball, taking the two key wickets of Sam Whiteman and WA captain Ashton Turner in quick succession.
After losing three wickets in just four overs, veteran batter Cameron Bancroft helped drag his side back into the game, with a hard-fought 63 before being dismissed by Lloyd Pope. It was then left to Hilton Cartwright (55), who combined with the tail, with WA finishing its 50 overs on 298.
South Australia made an electric start to their innings, with dynamic openers Jake Fraser-McGurk and Mackenzie Harvey putting the pressure on the opposition bowlers.
It was all going South Australia’s way until debutant Albert Esterhuysen flipped the script, taking an impressive catch running back with the flight to dismiss Fraser-McGurk. The young paceman quickly followed up with the ball, dismissing Daniel Drew and Jason Sangha.
Harvey was once again South Australia’s shining light, following up his 60 against NSW, with 76 runs off 65 balls. Jake Lehmann (33) and Manenti (39) attempted to save the innings, but experienced paceman Joel Paris (5-42) proved too much.
After a 66-run loss to WA, South Australia will look to bounce back against Victoria in the One-Day Cup on October 9 at Adelaide Oval.