Sam Konstas’ ton for NSW leaves cricket fans saying the same thing

Batting sensation Sam Konstas has blasted his way to a century for NSW, leaving a number of fans all pondering the same question.

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

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Set 311 to win after the Bulls made 9/310 from 45 overs 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.

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 fours and three sixes as wickets crumbled around him.

Sam Konstas celebrates his century for NSW in the one-day match against Queensland. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

After suffering from cramps during his knock, 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.

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 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

The cricket.com.au social media account posted a video of Konstas smashing a six to bring up his ton and it left cricket fans all wondering the same thing.

The teenager was left out of the Australian side for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka and is also absent from the current one-day series against the same opponents.

After Australia limped to a 49-run loss to Sri Lanka on Wednesday, with openers Matt Short (zero runs from two balls) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (two from nine) failing to fire, many were saying Konstas should be overseas right now.

“Easily can be a way, way better option than Matt Short & JFM in the champions trophy squad,” was one comment on X.

“Should have been selected over short and jfm,” wrote another.

“Still haven’t figured out why he was dropped for the Sri Lanka tests,” pondered a third.

A fourth wrote simply: “JFM over him,” with a series of cry laughing emojis.

Smoked over point!

Century for Sam Konstas! #OneDayCuppic.twitter.com/oFlBizE14c

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

Konstas said after Thursday’s defeat the message from the Australian selectors was simply to score runs to get another opportunity in national colours.

“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.”

Konstas said playing at the Gabba for the first time in the preceding Shield match, also won by Queensland, was a “great learning” experience.

“(The pitch) is a bit more bouncy … and facing (Michael) Neser for the first time – he’s a genius with the ball,” said Konstas, who made scores of three and 22 in that match.

“It was a great contest.”

Originally published as Sam Konstas’ ton for NSW leaves cricket fans saying the same thing