Chasing a competitive 218 for victory at the Riverside Ground, Launceston, the NT fell 36 runs short after being bowled out for 182 (47 overs).
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the ACT were in the box seat at 0/63 before Darwin’s Harry Dixon (1/17) got the first breakthrough, which then sparked a mini collapse thanks to a triple-wicket over by Tracy Village’s Tye Beer (3/34).
Reehan Shyamsundar (3/27) claimed another victim shortly after to have the ACT struggling at 5/79, but a series of lower order partnerships helped the batting side reach 9-218 from their 50 overs. Nightcliff’s Riley Suter (2/35) closed out the innings with two wickets, while Waratah’s Mithuru Perera (0/51) and Tracy Village’s Dhruv Shandilya (0/30) bowled economically without luck.
The NT’s innings got off to a blistering start with Federal’s and Alice Springs local Sam Rumpff scoring a quick-fire 22, including a six, and this was well supported by Neel Patel (32) and Darwin’s Ralph Stephens (21).
The NT side looked in control of the run chase before the ACT took four quick wickets throughout the middle overs, and despite lower order runs from Perera (17) and Suter (25), the NT were dismissed in the 47th over for 182.
Speaking after the game, NT Captain Ralph Stephens said “it was an enjoyable match to be a part of, and I think both teams had their moments to win the game, but in the end it was the ACT who capitalised on their opportunities”.
“The group is in a good place at the moment and our goal remains to try win our remaining matches, we know we can be competitive at this level”.
“As captain, I am remaining really positive and looking at the great learnings and challenges I have been exposed too, which will only help my cricket development”.
The NT side has a rest day tomorrow before resuming the Championships on Sunday against Victoria Metro.
Australian Capital Territory 9/218 (Weerasooriya 39, Maglasis 39; Shyamsundar 3/27, Beer 3/34) def. Northern Territory (Patel 32, Shandilya 23; Hills 4/26, Selmes 2/26).