Salzmann and Scott Seal Thrilling Win as Haddin’s NSW Era Begins

The Brad Haddin era as coach of New South Wales began on a high note with a thrilling four-wicket victory, after Queensland faltered in the field for the second consecutive match following a substantial total. At Allan Border Field, Queensland looked set for victory after posting 358, driven largely by a blistering century from opener Hugh Weibgen, who scored 125 off just 89 balls.

New South Wales found themselves under pressure at 251 for six during the run chase, but allrounders Will Salzmann and debutant Jake Scott orchestrated a sensational, unbeaten 108-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Scott sealed the dramatic victory with a powerful six over midwicket off Hayden Kerr on the very last ball of the 49th over, celebrating the win alongside Salzmann.

NSW debutant opener Riley Kingsell also played a starring role, contributing a well-crafted 79 off 82 deliveries to guide the chase. Queensland’s demise came agonizingly close to the final delivery of their innings, having been bowled out after Weibgen and Jack Clayton forged a formidable 156-run opening stand.

Weibgen, the captain of Australia’s 2024 Under-19 World Cup-winning side, smashed seven sixes during his knock, including a pull shot that cleared the roof of the Stuart Law Stand above the press box—his second One-Day Cup century.

Queensland captain Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 60 off 47 balls in what was his final match before departing for South Africa’s three-Test series, showed early intent. After scoring just two runs off his first eight deliveries, Labuschagne got into his stride with a beautifully timed sweep off Tanveer Sangha. An exquisite on-drive off Scott further signaled his intent, before a powerful pull shot off Sean Abbott cleared the mid-wicket boundary by 25 meters, landing near the groundsman’s shed.

NSW pacemen Ben Dwarshuis and Sean Abbott both claimed three wickets, though Abbott endured some tough moments in the field. The defeat for Queensland mirrored their previous match at the same ground, where they lost with a ball to spare against Victoria after posting 335 for seven, highlighted by Liam Blackford’s debut century of 149 not out.

The momentum shifted dramatically when NSW accelerated, bringing up their fifty in just 3.3 overs. Kurtis Patterson unleashed four sixes in a single over off Tom Straker, who finished with figures of 3 for 105 off nine overs. Patterson reached his half-century off 25 balls, with one of his sixes also landing on top of the press box.

A spectacular diving catch at mid-on by Max Bryant eventually ended a resilient knock from new captain Lachlan Shaw, just as Queensland threatened to seize control. Despite Kingsell’s departure—the son of Olympic swimming gold medallist Sarah Ryan—leaving the Bulls in a slightly more comfortable position, it was Scott and Salzmann who delivered a stunning finish to secure the win.

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