Sam Konstas smashes maiden One Day ton but can’t stop Queensland claiming big win

Sam Konstas has responded to the Australian selectors’ message to “keep knocking the door down”, blasting a superb 116 from just 98 balls for NSW against Queensland.

Sam Konstas has responded to the Australian selectors’ message to “keep knocking the door down”, blasting a superb 116 from just 98 balls for NSW against Queensland on Thursday.

However, Konstas’ heroics weren’t enough to secure victory for NSW in domestic one-day clash at Allan Border Field, with Bulls wining by 54 runs.

Set 311 to win after the Bulls made 9-310 from 45 in a rain-reduced contest, NSW was bowled out 256 in the 43rd over.

While the Bulls were inspired by a man-of-the-match performance from Lachlan Hearne, who made 107 from 91 balls, Konstas defied cramping to carry NSW’s innings.

Sam Konstas is in real pain and struggling—hopefully, it’s nothing serious. Australia can't afford another player on the injury list. Battling through on 70*! 🤞#SamKonstas#OneDayCup#NSWvQLD#CricketCentral#NewSouthWales#CricketAustraliapic.twitter.com/7OCqjnHCQ8

— lightningspeed (@lightningspeedk) February 13, 2025

🙃#OneDayCuppic.twitter.com/bqCBHTIFhC

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 13, 2025

Sent home early from Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka to allow him to play for NSW against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup competitions, Konstas hit 13 four and three sixes as wickets crumbled around him.

He was eventually the ninth wicket to fall, caught by Ben McDermott off the bowling of Gurinder Sandhu in the 40th over with NSW on 239.

Sam Konstas celebrates his maiden One Day Cup century. Picture: Getty Images

The visitors managed 17 more runs before Jack Nisbet was the last wicket to fall.

“The legs are a bit sore and unfortunately we couldn’t get the job done, but credit to Queensland – they outplayed us and we move on to next week,” Konstas said.

“I thought they bowled really and I was just trying to get through it and keep rotating strike. I was lucky enough to be there near the end and hit a few nice shots.

“I’m very grateful the opportunities I get for New South Wales, and I try to put my best foot forward and hopefully if I play again I can back it up.”

Sam Konstas is helped up by team mates after going down during the ODC match against Queensland. Picture: Getty Images

Konstas said the message from the Australian selectors had been to “keep knocking the door down and keep scoring runs”.

“It’s pretty simple. I enjoy playing every time I play and get the opportunity,” he said.

“I haven’t thought too far ahead with my goals, just to be in the moment and try to win games for whatever team I play for.”

Originally published as Sam Konstas smashes maiden One Day ton but can’t stop Queensland claiming big win