Mitch Owen’s sensational performance led Tasmania to a nail-biting victory against South Australia in a high-scoring One-Day Cup showdown. Owen’s explosive 149 off just 69 balls propelled Tasmania to a thrilling two-wicket win, with only six balls remaining in the game. The match took place at the Adelaide Oval, where South Australia, already guaranteed a spot in the final, secured hosting rights amid the intense battle on the field.
Unleashing a display of incredible batting prowess, Owen’s heroic innings included 14 fours and 10 sixes, showcasing his dominance over the South Australian bowlers. His century, achieved in a mere 48 balls, mirrored his remarkable performance in the Big Bash League final, where his 108 off 42 balls led the Hobart Hurricanes to victory over the Sydney Thunder. However, Owen’s explosive innings came to an end when he was bowled between his legs by Wes Agar, leaving Tasmania at 291 for 8 in the 39th over.
With Tasmania still needing 39 runs to secure the win, Will Prestwidge (26 not out) and Tom Rogers (16 not out) demonstrated resilience and composure, guiding their team across the finish line with just six balls to spare. As the dust settled on the enthralling contest, South Australia, already assured of their place in the final, clinched hosting rights following a crucial victory by Victoria over New South Wales. This outcome vaulted Victoria from fourth to second place, setting up a final showdown against South Australia at the Adelaide Oval.
South Australia initially made a strong start in Sunday’s match, reaching 207 for 1 by the 33rd over, with Mackenzie Harvey and Daniel Drew dominating the proceedings. However, Tasmania’s Beau Webster played a key role in limiting the damage, ensuring that South Australia’s total was within reach for the visitors. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Owen’s explosive batting ensured that Tasmania remained in contention throughout the chase.
The 23-year-old’s onslaught left the South Australian bowlers reeling, with Jordan Buckingham (1-79 off eight overs) and Wes Agar (2-91 off 10 overs) bearing the brunt of Owen’s assault. Spinner Lloyd Pope emerged as South Australia’s standout bowler, almost single-handedly turning the tide of the match with his fiery spell that nearly secured a hat-trick. Tasmania’s impressive performance throughout the season, with three wins, three losses, and a no-result, culminated in a fifth-place finish in the tournament standings.
The high-stakes battle between Tasmania and South Australia exemplified the thrill and unpredictability of white-ball cricket, with Mitch Owen’s extraordinary innings standing out as a testament to the power of individual brilliance in shaping the outcome of a fiercely contested match. As the teams now prepare for the final showdown at the iconic Adelaide Oval, fans can expect more edge-of-the-seat action and unforgettable moments in the upcoming title clash.
