Nathan McAndrew produced a sensational bowling spell, taking 7 for 11, as South Australia crushed defending champions Western Australia by six wickets in their Sheffield Shield clash at the WACA Ground.
A staggering 20 wickets fell on the opening day, with WA bowled out for 120 before SA managed just 124. The collapse continued on day two as WA crumbled to 13 for 5 before being dismissed for just 66 in a single session. South Australia chased the modest target of 63 before tea, with Jason Sangha and Conor McInerney ensuring victory.
WA, who entered the match in fourth place, suffered a heavy defeat that dents their hopes of winning a fourth straight Sheffield Shield title. Meanwhile, SA, leading the points table with four wins, two draws, and a loss, strengthened their chances of hosting the final.
Despite SA’s slender four-run first-innings lead, WA’s batting imploded in their second innings. They lost three wickets before even erasing the deficit, with Sam Fanning, Teague Wyllie, and Jayden Goodwin dismissed early. Hilton Cartwright followed, caught brilliantly by McAndrew off his own bowling, leaving WA reeling at 13 for 5.
Ashton Turner and Keaton Critchell added 39 runs, preventing WA from recording an all-time lowest total, but McAndrew and Jordan Buckingham wrapped up the innings swiftly.
SA captain Ben Manenti praised McAndrew, calling him “one of the best in the country” for his match-winning performances. WA coach Adam Voges admitted frustration over his side’s batting struggles, acknowledging their failure to handle South Australia’s disciplined attack.
This defeat follows WA’s earlier batting collapse in the One Day Cup, where they lost 8 for 1 against Tasmania, ending their title defense in that format.
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