For now, it's me, Deepak Prakash, signing off on behalf of my colleagues, Anirudh Modi, Manan Mehta, and Asraj Khan. CHEERS!
That's all from this one-sided contest, folks! Victoria return to winning ways with a thumping victory over Tasmania. But don't go anywhere just yet, as another game is underway in Perth, where Western Australia take on New South Wales. Switch tabs and join us for the live coverage of that match!
Player of the Match: Mitch Perry
12:16 PM IST, 5:46 PM Local Time: A disastrous batting performance from Tasmania saw them fall like ninepins and eventually get bowled out for 137 in the rain-curtailed run chase. Victoria won by 138 runs via the DLS method and returned to winning ways after losing back-to-back games.
Earlier, Victoria posted a competitive 304/7 in their 50 overs after being put in to bat by Tasmania. Matthew Short (70) and Thomas Rogers (53) laid a strong foundation with a 92-run opening stand, while Campbell Kellaway (69) and Peter Handscomb (47) continued the momentum with a 75-run partnership. However, Tasmania's bowlers pulled things back in the final 10 overs, restricting Victoria from adding another 15–20 runs. Tom Rogers picked up two wickets, while Aidan O'Connor, Raf, Nikhil and Jack Montgomery claimed one each.
Tasmania got off to a shaky start in the chase, losing four wickets for just 40 runs before rain interrupted play when they reached 67/4 in 15.4 overs. The delay lasted around an hour, reducing the contest to 35 overs and setting Tasmania a revised target of 276 runs under the DLS method. Caleb Jewell fought hard with an unbeaten 47 off 63 balls, but lost partners from the other end. Nikhil Chaudhary (23) and Thomas Stewart Rogers (19) offered some resistance. However, Tasmania continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with Mitchell Perry leading Victoria's bowling attack with four wickets for just nine runs. Tasmania were eventually bowled out for 137 in 25.2 overs.