Archer hat-trick powers Victoria CA XI past NT Strike by 52 runs

Darwin, 27 August 2026: Michael Archer completed a hat-trick to cap a dominant bowling performance as Victoria CA XI defeated Northern Territory Strike by 52 runs in the Top End T20 Series on Thursday.

Chasing 152 at Marrara Cricket Ground, NT Strike were bowled out for 99 in 16.4 overs, suffering its second defeat in five matches. The Strike has won three games in the tournament.

Archer finished with 4-13 from 3.4 overs and wrapped up the innings with three wickets in consecutive deliveries. He bowled Cadell McMahon for 4 before trapping Junaid Mansoor lbw and bowling Tom Menzies as NT Strike lost its final three wickets without adding a run.

Brodie Symons also played a key role with 3-27, while captain Todd Murphy took 2-14.

NT Strike had made a reasonable start through Jaga Koduru and Harshtik Bimbral, but neither was able to build a decisive innings. Koduru made 21 from 15 balls and Bimbral scored 20 from 25. Jordan Silk contributed 18, but regular wickets prevented the chase from gaining momentum.

Earlier, Victoria CA XI posted 151-8 after being sent in to bat.

Sam Harper anchored the innings with 51 from 36 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes. His half-century helped Victoria recover after NT Strike had reduced it to 87-5 in the 13th over.

Blake Macdonald provided early momentum with 32 from 20 balls, including six fours and a six, while Liam Blackford added 22.

Hamish Martin was the standout bowler for NT Strike, claiming 4-17 from four overs. Menzies took 2-19, while Wes Agar picked up one wicket.

Harper and Symons added 58 for the sixth wicket to lift Victoria to a competitive total before its bowlers took control.

The victory earned Victoria CA XI two points, while NT Strike slipped to a 3-2 record after five matches.

Scores in brief:

Victoria CA XI won by 52 runs

Victoria CA XI 151-8 in 20 overs (Sam Harper 51, Blake Macdonald 32; Hamish Martin 4-17, Tom Menzies 2-19)

Northern Territory Strike 99 all out in 16.4 overs (Jaga Koduru 21, Harshtik Bimbral 20; Michael Archer 4-13, Brodie Symons 3-27)