Western Australia, the reigning champions of Australia’s domestic one-day cup, were bowled out for 53 in a shocking collapse against Tasmania at the WACA on Friday. The total marked the second-lowest score in the competition’s history and exposed the cracks in a team that had dominated the tournament just a year ago. Tasmania’s bowlers, led by Beau Webster and Billy Stanlake, tore through Western Australia’s lineup in a stunning display that included an eight-wicket collapse for just one run.
Tasmania’s Bowlers Make History
Tasmania’s bowlers were relentless from the start, but the match truly turned on its head after Western Australia found themselves at 2-52. What followed was 28 balls of sheer devastation, where the champions lost eight wickets for a single run, an unprecedented collapse that saw six of Western Australia’s batsmen dismissed for ducks.
Webster was the star of the day, taking career-best figures of 6-17 in just six overs. Stanlake, equally menacing, contributed 3-12 from 7.1 overs. Together, they dismantled the lower order, with no batsman able to hold their ground against the disciplined seamers.
- Western Australia’s Batting Collapse:
- Total Runs: 53
- Number of Ducks: 6
- Total Overs Faced: 19.1
- Top Scorer: D’Arcy Short (22)
- Fall of Wickets: 52/3, 52/4, 52/5, 52/6, 52/7, 52/8, 53/9, 53/10
The lone run during the final stretch came from a wide, a testament to the complete dominance of Tasmania’s bowling attack. According to cricket statistician Ric Finlay, this was the worst eight-wicket collapse in the history of Australian domestic one-day cricket.
A Day to Forget for Western Australia’s Batting Lineup
For a team that had secured a historic three-peat of one-day cup titles just last season, Western Australia’s performance was nothing short of a nightmare. D’Arcy Short, who opened for the side, was the only player who showed any resistance, scoring 22 runs. Test hopeful Cameron Bancroft managed just 12 runs, and after his dismissal, the collapse was swift and brutal.
Australian representatives such as Hilton Cartwright, Ashton Turner, and Ashton Agar, alongside wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, were all dismissed without contributing to the score. The middle and lower order crumbled under pressure, with no batsman able to push back against Tasmania’s disciplined attack.
This was Western Australia’s lowest one-day cup total, falling well below their previous record of 59 all out against Victoria in 1969. Only South Australia, who were dismissed for 51 against Tasmania in 2003, have fared worse in the history of the competition.
| 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 |
Beau Webster’s Career-Best Spell
Beau Webster’s career-best spell of 6-17 was a bowling masterclass that will be remembered for years in Australian domestic cricket. His performance, coupled with Stanlake’s consistent line and length, ensured Tasmania’s victory was swift and absolute. Webster’s ability to consistently find the right areas troubled Western Australia’s batsmen from the get-go. By the time the dust settled, Webster had firmly stamped his authority on the game, and his name in the record books.
Stanlake, often criticized for inconsistency, showed control and discipline throughout his spell, claiming crucial wickets early and then returning to mop up the tail. Together, the pair delivered a performance that will undoubtedly be studied by bowlers across Australia.
The Road Ahead for the Defending Champions
Western Australia will need to bounce back quickly as they look to defend their title. The start to their 2024/25 season has been less than ideal, with losses to South Australia and New South Wales preceding this match. Friday’s collapse exposed significant vulnerabilities in the team, particularly their lower-order batting, which will need immediate addressing if they are to recover from this setback.
Despite the loss, there remains hope for Western Australia. Players like D’Arcy Short and Cameron Bancroft showed some promise, and the bowling unit, led by Jhye Richardson and Ashton Agar, still holds the potential to turn things around in future matches.
As Tasmania cruises toward a straightforward chase, Western Australia will need to regroup quickly. The defending champions will need to find their footing again, as future opponents will undoubtedly look to exploit the weaknesses on display during this historic collapse.
