Cricket

Western Australia's One-Day Cup woes continued as they suffered a dramatic two-run defeat to South Australia at Sydney's Cricket Central. The three-time defending champions collapsed from a promising position of 133 for 3, losing their last seven wickets for just 31 runs.South Australia's total of 166 was built around contributions from Daniel Drew (49) and Liam Scott (46). However, it was Western Australia's Bryce Jackson who stole the show with a career-best List A haul of 6 for 31.In reply, Western Australia looked set for victory with Ashton Turner (53) and Sam Whiteman (48) leading the charge. But the match turned on its head when Whiteman was caught at deep square leg, triggering a collapse that saw the last seven wickets fall for just 31 runs.Nathan McAndrew was the chief destroyer, claiming 5 for 40, including the wickets of Matthew Kelly and AJ Tye in consecutive deliveries. Ben Manenti then delivered the final blow, dismissing Turner to seal the win for South Australia.The defeat leaves Western Australia with their worst start to a season since 2015, while South Australia claimed their first win over their rivals since 2017.

Sussex's relentless bowling attack, led by Nathan McAndrew's five-wicket haul, propelled them to a resounding 63-run victory over Northamptonshire in the Vitality County Championship Division Two.McAndrew, the Australian overseas signing, proved unstoppable, claiming two wickets in three balls to dismantle Northamptonshire's batting lineup. His impressive figures of 5 for 73 played a pivotal role in restricting the hosts to 220 all out.The victory was set up by a devastating spell from England seamer Ollie Robinson, who removed both Northamptonshire openers in quick succession. Robinson's fiery pace and bounce proved too much for Matthew Breetzke and Rob Keogh, leaving the hosts reeling at 137 for 4.Despite a stubborn eighth-wicket partnership between Justin Broad (45) and Ben Sanderson (24), McAndrew's return to the attack proved decisive. He swiftly dismissed Sanderson and Raphy Weatherall, leaving Northamptonshire on the brink of defeat.Broad, however, showed immense resilience, smashing McAndrew for a four, a six, and a boundary. But his valiant effort was ultimately in vain as James Coles took a crucial catch in the deep to seal Sussex's victory.Sussex's triumph consolidates their position at the top of Division Two, while Northamptonshire remains winless this season. The victory is a testament to the depth and quality of Sussex's bowling attack, which has been a key factor in their success this summer.

Sussex Sharks soared to a thrilling seven-run victory over Hampshire Hawks in the Vitality Blast South Group, securing their second spot in the standings. Nathan McAndrew emerged as the hero, showcasing his prowess with both bat and ball.McAndrew's blistering 32 off 11 deliveries propelled Sussex to a respectable total of 184 for 8. Tom Alsop's steady 43 off 27 provided a solid foundation, while James Coles contributed 39. Hampshire's Michael Neser impressed with 3 for 32, but McAndrew's late-innings fireworks proved crucial.In response, Hampshire's chase started sluggishly, losing two wickets in the powerplay. James Vince and Joe Weatherley steadied the ship with an 88-run partnership, but Vince's departure for 53 halted their momentum. Weatherley's 68 off 47 kept Hampshire in contention, but McAndrew's economical 1 for 21 and Danny Lamb's resolute defense of 25 off the final over sealed the victory for Sussex.McAndrew's all-round brilliance was the catalyst for Sussex's triumph. His aggressive batting and miserly bowling played a pivotal role in securing the win. Alsop's composed innings and Coles' steady contribution also proved valuable.For Hampshire, Vince's half-century and Weatherley's late surge were commendable, but their overall batting performance fell short of the required rate. Neser's early wickets were impressive, but the team's inability to capitalize on their opportunities ultimately cost them the match.Sussex's victory marks their first Utilita Bowl win since 2020 and extends their lead over Hampshire to six points. The Sharks will look to maintain their momentum in their upcoming fixtures, while Hampshire will seek to regroup and improve their batting performance.

Tasmania's hopes of hosting the Sheffield Shield final hang in the balance after South Australia set them a daunting target of 316 runs to chase. The Redbacks, who are out of contention for the final, bowled out Tasmania for a paltry 123 in their first innings, with Nathan McAndrew claiming 6 for 44.In response, South Australia posted 175 in their second innings, with Harry Nielsen top-scoring with 53. Beau Webster was the pick of the Tasmanian bowlers, taking 3 for 37.Tasmania's chase got off to a disastrous start when Matthew Wade was dismissed for a duck in the penultimate over of the day. The Australian international was adjudged to have touched Jordan Buckingham's delivery as he shouldered arms.With just one day remaining in the match, Tasmania need to bat out of their skins to avoid an upset loss and secure hosting rights for the final. They will likely meet the winner of Western Australia's clash with Victoria in the decider, though NSW remain a mathematical chance of qualifying if the game in Melbourne ends in an unlikely draw.