Laura Harris creates WNCL history with 50-ball century
Harris' record innings helped Queensland claim a comfortable win over ACT in a rain-reduced game
ESPNcricinfo staff
01-Oct-2022
Laura Harris celebrates the fastest ever century in WNCL history, scored off just 50 balls • Getty Images
Queensland 270 for 4 (Harris 101, Hinkley 65*, Leeson 2-58) beat Australian Capital Territory 106 for 6 (Sippel 2-24) by 47 runs (DLS method)
Laura Harris created history by smashing the fastest WNCL century, in just 50 balls, to help Queensland defeat Australian Capital Territory in a rain-reduced clash on the Gold Coast.
Harris clubbed eight sixes and eight fours to make a stunning 101 from just 54 balls. Queensland posted 270 for 4 when rain ended their innings after 47 overs, with Mikayla Hinkley finishing on 65 not out. After a lengthy delay, ACT were set 205 in 27 overs and rain ended the match after 20.4 overs with ACT 47 runs short of the DLS par score.
Harris' innings was interrupted by rain, but it didn't affect her ball-striking. She got off the mark first ball with a powerful pull shot forward of square. From there on, she produced some trademark blows over long-on as well as some stunning reverse sweeps and reverse laps.
She did give one tough chance when on 46, with Gabrielle Sutcliffe completely misjudging a skied slog-sweep at deep midwicket. She failed to lay a hand on it as it cleared her head and bounced inside the rope for four to bring up Harris' 50 off 23 balls. Her second 50 was fractionally slower, off 27 balls, but she brought up her century in style with a towering six over long-on.
Hinkley played superbly at the other end as she and Harris shared a 127-run stand in less than 16 overs.
ACT's chase never really got going with the weather only adding to the frustrations. Georgia Prestwidge and Courtney Sippel made early breakthroughs, including the key wicket of Katie Mack, and ACT battled to 106 for 6 after 20.4 overs before rain finally ended proceedings with Queensland well ahead on DLS.
Meanwhile, South Australia and the ACT have been penalised for slow over-rates during their WNCL matches on September 25. Following the calculation of allowances, the umpires and match referees found South Australia and the ACT to each be one over behind the expected rate. The two sides have been deducted 0.5 match points on the competition points table, in accordance with the WNCL playing conditions.