Sutherland powers Victoria CA XI past New Zealand ‘A’ in Top End T20

Darwin, 26 August 2026: Will Sutherland produced an unbeaten 44 off 22 balls after taking two wickets to guide Victoria CA XI to a six-wicket win over New Zealand ‘A’ in the Top End T20 Series on Wednesday.

Chasing 151 at Marrara Cricket Ground, Victoria reached 152-4 in 18.3 overs, completing the victory with nine balls to spare.

Tom Rogers and Sam Harper gave Victoria a strong start, putting on 66 for the first wicket. Rogers made 36 off 27 balls, including four fours and a six, while Harper scored 37 from 34 deliveries.

New Zealand ‘A’ leg spinner Adithya Ashok briefly brought his side back into the contest by removing Rogers and Campbell Kellaway, who made 13, and finished with 2-19 from four overs.

Victoria slipped from 90-1 to 92-3 when Zak Gibson dismissed Harper, but Sutherland took control of the chase. The Victoria captain struck seven fours in his 22-ball innings and added 39 with Blake Macdonald before finishing the job alongside Liam Blackford.

Earlier, New Zealand A made 150-8 after being sent in to bat.

Bevon Jacobs top-scored with 49 off 36 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, while Katene Clarke contributed 34 and Mitchell Hay made 25 from 18 balls.

New Zealand 'A' had been reduced to 66-4 before Jacobs and Hay added 71 for the fifth wicket to revive the innings.

Sam Elliott led Victoria’s bowling effort with 4-45, including three wickets in the final over, while Sutherland took 2-32. Todd Murphy was the most economical bowler, conceding just 15 runs in four overs and taking one wicket.

The victory earned Victoria CA XI two points, while New Zealand A remained without a point from the match.

Scores in brief:

Victoria CA XI won by six wickets

New Zealand A 150-8 in 20 overs (Bevon Jacobs 49, Katene Clarke 34; Sam Elliott 4-45, Will Sutherland 2-32)

Victoria CA XI 152-4 in 18.3 overs (Will Sutherland 44 not out, Sam Harper 37, Tom Rogers 36; Adithya Ashok 2-19)