Joel Paris' Five-for, Esterhuysen’s Dream Debut Power WA to 66-Run Win Over South Australia
Adelaide – A clinical all-round performance led by Joel Paris’ five-wicket haul and a composed top-order batting display helped Western Australia (WA) seal a 66-run victory over South Australia (SA) in their One-Day Cup clash at Karen Rolton Oval on Wednesday.
After posting 298 for 9 on the back of half-centuries from Sam Fanning (75), Cameron Bancroft (63) and Hilton Cartwright (55), WA’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Paris (5 for 42) and debutant Albert Esterhuysen (3 for 42), bowled out SA for 232 in 44.3 overs.
WA Batters Lay the Foundation
Electing to bat, WA’s openers got off to a flying start. Fanning and Joel Curtis stitched together a brisk 86-run partnership in under 13 overs. Curtis was the first to fall for 44 off 33 balls, edging behind off Harry Manenti (1 for 51).
Fanning then combined with Bancroft to add 92 runs for the second wicket, taking WA to a commanding 174 for 1 by the 29th over. Fanning’s composed 75 off 91 balls, which included four fours and three sixes, was the top score of the innings.
However, once Fanning fell, WA’s innings lost momentum. They slumped from 174 for 1 to 223 for 5, with Sam Whiteman, Ashton Turner, and Ashton Agar departing cheaply.
Despite the middle-order collapse, Cartwright’s 55 off 47 balls provided crucial late runs, and WA managed a competitive 298 for 9 in their 50 overs. Jordan Buckingham was the pick of SA’s bowlers, returning 2 for 33 from 10 tidy overs, while Lloyd Pope (2 for 51) and debutant Hanno Jacobs (2 for 61) chipped in with wickets.
Paris and Esterhuysen Seal the Win
In response, SA’s chase got off to a mixed start. While Jake Fraser-McGurk blazed 14 off 10 balls, he departed early, leaving Mackenzie Harvey to take charge. The left-handed opener played a lone hand at the top, smashing 76 off 65 balls, including 11 fours and a six, to give SA hope.
But once Harvey was dismissed, WA’s bowlers tightened the screws. SA’s middle order failed to convert starts — Harry Manenti (39), Jake Lehmann (33), and Jason Sangha (18) couldn’t capitalise.
Joel Paris, with his left-arm seam, was the standout, finishing with a career-best 5 for 42, earning him the Player of the Match. He was well-supported by 19-year-old quick Albert Esterhuysen, who impressed on debut with 3 for 42, showing composure beyond his years.
SA were ultimately dismissed for 232, slipping to their second consecutive defeat, while WA secured their first win of the season.
Score Summary
Western Australia: 298 for 9 in 50 overs
(Sam Fanning 75, Cameron Bancroft 63, Hilton Cartwright 55; Jordan Buckingham 2-33, Lloyd Pope 2-51)
South Australia: 232 all out in 44.3 overs
(Mackenzie Harvey 76, Harry Manenti 39; Joel Paris 5-42, Albert Esterhuysen 3-42)
Result: Western Australia won by 66 runs
Player of the Match: Joel Paris (WA)
With their first win on the board, WA will look to build momentum, while defending champions SA are now under pressure after back-to-back losses in their title defence.