Written By Max Hatzoglou
A magnificent knock from Victoria captain Will Sutherland has powered his side to a gutsy five-wicket win over Hobart in the opening game of the Study NT Top End T20 Series.
Sutherland whacked 44 off 21 deliveries to get the Victoria Academy home after it was in a bit of early trouble at 3-42 at TIO Stadium on Friday.
With the run rate rising, Sutherland’s rapid-fire knock eased tensions as the Vics chased the Hurricanes’ 8-141 with seven balls to spare.
“I was very happy to get a few out of the middle,” Sutherland said.
“It’s always nice, I have been training indoors for three months so to see a bit of hard work come off is rewarding.”
Melbourne Stars batter Blake Macdonald notched an unbeaten 38 off 35 deliveries to play a major role in Victoria’s comeback in the chase.
Sutherland was pleased with the 28-year-old’s efforts, and overall performance from his side.
“Obviously been plugging away in the indoors for a long time so it’s good for the boys to be outside and playing some cricket,” he said.
“In terms of the game, it was getting a little bit tight when I came in, the run rate was rising a little bit.
“I thought Blake Macdonald batted beautifully to sort of settle the ship.
“Our bowlers bowled really well to restrict them to 141.”
Vic all-rounder Brodie Symons was the pick of the bowlers with 3-33 from four overs including two wickets in his second over.
In the second game of the Study NT Top End T20 Series, HH Kingsmen opener Shehan Jayasuriya top scored with 40 from 25 deliveries to steer his side home.
Jayasuriya’s knock helped set up the Kingsmen for a steady run chase, with captain Hammad Azam scoring the winning runs with a well-made 22 not out from 12 deliveries.