Western Australia vs Victoria, 23rd Match, Sheffield Shield 2025-26
Date: February 16, 2026
Victoria triumphed over Western Australia by a commanding margin of 353 runs at the W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth. Sam Harper was the standout performer with a century in each innings, while Scott Boland delivered a stellar bowling performance in the second innings with six wickets.
Match Highlights
Victoria dominated the match from the start after Western Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first. In Victoria's first innings, they posted an impressive total of 431 runs for 9 wickets declared. Sam Harper was the star with the bat, scoring a brisk 119 off 109 balls, including 15 fours and 2 sixes. Will Sutherland also made a significant contribution with an unbeaten 101 runs. Brody Couch and Corey Rocchiccioli were the pick of the bowlers for Western Australia, each claiming three wickets.
In response, Western Australia struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 238 runs. Sam Fanning narrowly missed out on a century, top-scoring with 99 runs. Sam Elliott was instrumental for Victoria with the ball, taking five wickets.
Victoria opted not to enforce the follow-on and added another 274 runs for 4 declared in their second innings. Once again, Sam Harper led from the front with an unbeaten 141 runs off 156 balls. Fergus O Neill supported him well with a solid knock of 47 not out.
Chasing a daunting target, Western Australia's batting lineup collapsed under pressure in their second innings, managing only 114 runs. Scott Boland was sensational, taking six wickets for just 22 runs to dismantle Western Australia's batting order. Joel Curtis was the only batter to show some resistance with a fighting half-century (59 runs).
Key Performances
- Sam Harper (Victoria): Scored centuries in both innings (119 & 141*), earning him the Player of the Match.
- Will Sutherland (Victoria): Scored an unbeaten century (101*) in the first innings and contributed with key wickets.
- Scott Boland (Victoria): Exceptional bowling performance in the second innings with figures of 6/22.
- Sam Elliott (Victoria): Five-wicket haul in Western Australia's first innings.
Notable Partnerships
- Sam Harper and Will Sutherland's partnership in Victoria's first innings laid a solid foundation that set up their large total.
- In Victoria's second innings, Harper and O Neill shared an unbeaten partnership that further consolidated their lead.
This match showcased a dominant all-around performance by Victoria, underscored by standout individual contributions that led them to a convincing victory over Western Australia.
