D'Arcy Short century helps Western Australia flatten Tasmania

A rollicking century from D'Arcy Short led a star-studded Western Australia to a thumping bonus-point win over Tasmania at the WACA.

Short's match-winning 129 from 100 balls helped Western Australia, featuring 10 internationals, pile up 312 on a surface with plenty of live grass. He struck 12 fours and four huge sixes and had a second List A double century within reach until he miscued with 12.3 overs left.

Despite the innings losing momentum thereafter, 312 proved too much for Tasmania. A frugal new-ball spell from Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jhye Richardson put them well behind the required run rate early and they were never able to recover. Western Australia rocketed to the top of the Marsh Cup table with a second straight victory while Tasmania remain winless following their stunning self-destruction against Victoria.

Tasmania had no hesitation in bowling first after their success with the ball against Victoria. But the decision backfired as Western Australia cruised to 1 for 133 by the 22nd over. Short was in complete control sharing a 101-run stand with Shaun Marsh following the early loss of Josh Philippe.

Western Australia looked set for another 350-plus score but an outstanding spell from Riley Meredith halted their momentum. His extra pace and bounce forced mistakes from Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh, Ashton Turner, and Marcus Stoinis as he finished with 4 for 42 from 10 overs.

Short reached his century from just 82 balls and had plenty of time to make 200 but he fell trying to hit James Faulkner into nearby Gloucester Park. The innings fizzled in the last 10 overs, as Western Australia lost 5 for 70 to be bowled out in the 50th over.

Tasmania openers Caleb Jewell and Ben McDermott had some luck early in the chase. They were dropped three times between them but were unable to capitalize as they both fell to Ashton Agar.

Richardson then returned and ripped through the middle order with some outstanding fast bowling. His pace and skill was too good as he claimed 3 for 23 in eight overs to confirm is back to full fitness after his shoulder injury.

George Bailey made an entertaining half-century but Tasmania never got close, and they were unable to prevent Western Australia from claiming the bonus point as Andrew Tye wrapped up the tail after Bailey ran himself out.