Victoria remains unbeaten

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Will Pucovski (65) top-scored for Victoria, with Jacob Serry (55) and captain Sam Harper (52) providing great support.

“Will played really well,” Victorian assistant coach Jarrad Loughman said.

“With the guys around him scoring quickly, he did well to play the anchor role as a number three batsman.”

A half-century from Blake Thomson (52) swelled Victoria’s total at the death, posting 5-258 from its 50 overs.

“With two not outs in the tournament we’ve seen that Thomson knows how to lift the tempo and bat out an innings,” Loughman said.

“To have four guys reach 50 in 44 degrees was really good.”

In reply, Adam McMaster (1-20) struck with the new ball to dismiss Isaac Salter for 13 with Tasmania 1-28.

However, contributions from Alec Smith (46) and captain Caleb Jewell (31) saw the Tasmanians lift their run rate before a break in play occurred.

With the Tasmanians requiring 82 runs from the last eight overs, Wes Agar led the Victorian attack when play resumed, taking 3-49 from 8.5 overs to dismiss Tasmania for 199.

“After the break we had to adjust quickly because the game suddenly had a Twenty20 feel to it,” Loughman said.

Sam Grimwade again proved handy with the ball claiming 2-35, while leg-spinner Gehan Seneviratne (1-10) and Josh Hudson (1-46) also claimed wickets.

Currently sitting on top of the table, Victoria will next face Queensland in a two-day match starting on Thursday.

“We now need to transfer into two-day mode, so that’s going to be a bit of a challenge,” Loughman said.

To see a full scorecard, click here.

Image sourced from The Australian Jewish News.