In a stunning turn of events at the WACA on Friday, the reigning champions Western Australia were bundled out for just 53 runs against Tasmania in Australia’s domestic one-day cup. The home side suffered an unbelievable collapse, losing their last eight wickets for a single run. This total is the second-lowest in the competition’s history, raising serious questions about the champions’ form early in the season.
An Unprecedented Batting Collapse
The match took a dramatic turn when Western Australia were seemingly steady at 2-52. What followed was a period of sheer dominance from the Tasmanian bowlers, who ripped through the batting order in just 28 balls. Western Australia lost an astonishing eight wickets for only one run, a statistic unheard of in Australian domestic one-day cricket.
The sole run scored during this catastrophic period came from a wide, highlighting the complete inability of the batsmen to get the ball away. This shocking performance saw six different Western Australian batsmen dismissed for a duck, including several Australian representatives.
Webster and Stanlake Rewrite the Record Books
The chief architects of Western Australia’s downfall were Beau Webster and Billy Stanlake. Webster was the star performer, claiming career-best figures of 6-17 in his six-over spell. His relentless accuracy and ability to find the right line and length proved too much for the opposition.
Stanlake provided excellent support from the other end, finishing with figures of 3-12 from 7.1 overs. He was disciplined and menacing, picking up key wickets to ensure the pressure never eased on the batting side. Together, they delivered a bowling performance that will be remembered for years to come.
- Beau Webster: 6 wickets for 17 runs
- Billy Stanlake: 3 wickets for 12 runs
- Combined Figures: 9 wickets for 29 runs
This devastating partnership dismantled a champion side with ease, leaving spectators and commentators in disbelief.
A Historic Low for the Champions
This total of 53 is Western Australia’s lowest-ever score in the domestic one-day competition, sinking below their previous record of 59 set against Victoria way back in 1969. Only one team has ever recorded a lower score in the tournament’s history. Cricket statistician Ric Finlay confirmed that this was the worst eight-wicket collapse in the history of the competition.
The only batsman to offer any form of resistance was opener D’Arcy Short, who scored 22. After his and Cameron Bancroft’s (12) dismissals, the rest of the lineup, including stars like Ashton Turner, Ashton Agar, and Josh Inglis, crumbled without a fight.
| Lowest Team Totals in Australian Domestic One-Day Cup | Score | Year |
|---|---|---|
| South Australia vs Tasmania | 51 | 2003 |
| Western Australia vs Tasmania | 53 | 2024 |
| Western Australia vs Victoria | 59 | 1969 |
| Cricket Australia XI vs New South Wales | 59 | 2015 |
The Road Ahead for Western Australia
For a team that recently celebrated a historic three-peat of one-day titles, this result is a massive wake-up call. This loss follows defeats to South Australia and New South Wales, marking a disastrous start to their 2024/25 season.
The team’s management will need to address the glaring vulnerabilities in their batting lineup, particularly the fragile lower order. While the talent of players like Jhye Richardson and Ashton Agar on the bowling front remains, the batting unit must find its form quickly. As Tasmania cruised to an easy victory, Western Australia are left to regroup and reflect on a performance that has dented their championship credentials.
