NT Strike in pole position after game two win over Cricket Australia XI

The NT Strike representative team has found itself in pole position to seal the Chamber NT Top End Series, with key partnerships and destructive bowling sealing a tight two-run win over a Cricket Australia XI outfit at DXC Arena.

Matt Hammond palyed a pivotal role in NT Strike’s win over the Cricket Australia XI. Photo: Felicity Elliott

THE NT Strike representative team has found itself in pole position to seal the Chamber NT Top End Series, with key partnerships and destructive bowling sealing a tight two-run win over a Cricket Australia XI outfit at DXC Arena.

Ashley Chandrasinghe (31 off 62 balls) saw off the new ball at the top of the order to put his side in a strong position. But it was the partnership of Beau Webster (66 off 64) and Matt Hammond (60 not out off 71) that all but sealed the deal for the NT.

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And after finishing at 6-216 from their 50 overs, there was only message from respected coach Greg Shipperd, that being “don’t get another tie” which Hammond and company took onboard.

“After the game last week, it was great to get out there and get the win,” Hammond said

“I had a little partnership in there with Beau which really stood out and that’s something we’ve been really trying to achieve in these tighter games.

“There’s some real positivity in this group which is why I love playing with them. But we know we have to try our best to win again and hopefully we do.

“Shippy’s message was just to not to get the (tie) again. That was basically it – go out and have fun and that’s what we did.”

Webster once again proved vital with the ball, his spin bowling slowing down the Cricket Australia XI top order, finishing with 3-34.

It was Jason Sangha (38) and Noah McFadyen (52) that who turned around their side’s chase.

Their contributions were almost enough to overturn the early deficit, but with overs shortening and wickets still falling their efforts saw their side fall just two runs short.

“It’s obviously a bit disappointing not to get the win, but we made a good effort to bring it down to the wire,” McFadyen said.

“When I came in we were a few wickets down, so I was trying to rebuild the innings, so I took a few more balls than I had originally hoped to push us towards the 50th over. It takes a while to get used to everyone on your team, so having this time together will help heading into that final game.

“In the third game I’m just going to do whatever I can to help the team win. That’s probably the most important thing.”