A reduced overs match against Tasmania has round out the U19 National Championships for Northern Territory, who were defeated by 4 wickets.
After the match was delayed due to a damp spot on the pitch, NT elected to bat first and were soon in trouble at 7/68, with only Aayan Nadeem (13) and Waratah’s Archie McCormick (15) reaching double figures from the top order.
Coming in at number 6, Darwin’s Max Menzies (61) steadied the ship as he compiled lower order partnerships with Suhas Challa (24*) and Nightcliff’s Nicholas Fleming (14). Menzies struck 7 boundaries (6 x 4’s and 1 x 6) as he led the Territory side to 150 from their allocated overs.
The second innings started well for NT with Southern Districts Sam Barker (3/35) removing opener Luca Di Venuto in the third over, before Rehaan Shyamsundar (Southern Districts) and James Hatton (Nightcliff) made two further breakthroughs to have Tasmania 3/45.
A partnership from Cooper Stubbs (42) and Riley Whitelaw (37) settled the batting side, and despite a late fiery short-ball spell from Barker which claimed two more wickets, NT were unable to prevent Tasmania from reaching the target 6 down.
A big thank you on behalf of NT Cricket to all players, staff, parents, clubs and Cricket Australia for their involvement and support in this year’s U19 National Championships.