Article written by Grey Morris (Darwin, NT) who is a former Sports Editor at News Corporation
An unbeaten 81 by middle order batter Suhas Challa has steered the NT to a formidable 97-run win over NSW Country in the National Under-19 Cricket Championships in Adelaide.
It was the Strike's second win at the championships being held in the city of churches and one of the best results ever achieved for cricket's Cinderella side.
Opening batters Charlie Bignell (28) and Max Menzies (25) built the foundations for a 208-run total before Challa's 92-ball masterpiece took the score past the 200-mark.
The Adelaide right hander hit six boundaries and a six in his score to follow on from the half century he made against Tasmania last week.
The NT bowlers made regular inroads into the NSW batting lineup when it came to defend their run total.
Fast man Josh Malone's smart caught and bowled to dismiss Blues opener Shaun Smith with no runs on the board set the tone for the fast men, who had half the NSW Country side out for 45 when James Hatton trapped right hander Harry Scowen in front.
Leg-spinner Malay Doshi completed the rout when he removed three NSW batters for 31 runs and skipper Archie McCormick took the final wicket when he bowled Riley Keen for 28.
Coach Dylan Slater was full of praise for his players after the win.
"It was a great result where Suhas batted really well in his role as a state player from South Australia helping us out and his input has been fantastic for our players," Slater said.
"He has showcased where we need to be from a Territory side of things and it's given us a greater focus and plenty of confidence."
Slater said the bowling partnerships with fast men Josh Malone and fellow quicks Nick Fleming and James Hatton has also worked a treat.
NT v NSW Country, Finals Round: NT 208 (S Challa 81no, C Bignell 28, M Menzies 25, Z Graham 5-41, R Cattle 3-50) d NSW Country 111 (R Keen 28, H Roscarel 19, M Doshi 3-31, N Fleming 2-16, J Hatton 2-29, J Malone 2-32) by 97 runs.
Click here for the full scorecard.