Australia dominate Vanuatu to clinch T20 series

Callan Morse Published May 9, 2023 at 11.00am (AWST)

sport

Tyran Liddiard top scored in Australia's series-clinching victory over Vanuatu with 46 (23). (Image: supplied, Vanuatu Cricket Association)

The Australian men's Indigenous XI has secured a 3-1 series victory against Vanuatu after comfortably defeating hosts Vanuatu in the final match of their four match T20 series.

Biripi opener Tryan Liddiard again led the Australian side with the bat, top scoring with 46, whilst Ngyampaa allrounder Wade King and Palawa quick Ben Spinks were the pick of Australia's attack, each with three wickets.

Australia (7-148) defeated Vanuatu (10-67) by 82 runs

Australia compiled a competitive 7-148 after being sent into bat by Vanuatu, largely thanks to an aggressive knock by Biripi opener Tyran Liddiard.

The wicketkeeper-batter was devastating at the top of the Australian order, striking 10 boundaries in his whirlwind 23-ball 46.

However after Liddiard combined with Dylan McLachlan (10 from 14) in a 56-run first wicket stand, Australia stumbled, losing three 3-4 with Liddiard, McLachlan and Kobe Ross (0 from 1) dismissed within eight balls, their departures leaving Australia at 4-61 without a set batter at the crease.

Ngyampaa allrounder Wade King took three wickets in the match, bring his total series wickets to 13. (Image: supplied, Vanuatu Cricket Association)

It was left to the middle order to recover the innings, with Brynley Richards (29 from 32) playing a leading hand in the Australian resurgence.

Richards struck three boundaries and a six and was well supported by Tyrrell Sinclair (19 from 23), captain Damon Egan (17 from 11) and allrounder Wade King (15* from 10) to see Australia set Vanuatu 149 for victory.

Similar to previous matches in the series wickets were shared by the Vanuatuan attack with Nalin Nipiko, Joshua Rasu and Tony Tamata each taking two wickets.

Nipiko started Vanuatu's innings in positive fashion, striking three boundaries in his run-a-ball 22.

*Palawa seamer Ben Spinks took his series best figures of 3-12 in the match. (Image: supplied, Vanuatu Cricket Association)*

However after he was bowled by Spinks halfway through the sixth over of the chase, leaving the home side at 2-29, the Vanuatu order collapsed, losing 8-38.

Australia's bowlers were dominant with Spinks (3-12 from 3) and King (2-3 from 3) the high wicket takers.

Tyrrell Sinclair (2-20) and Bailey Toseland (2-12) were also multiple wicket takers in the innings which saw Vanuatu bowled out in 17 overs.

In addition to Nalin Nipiko, Joshua Rasu (12 from 16) was Vanuatu's only other batter to reach double figures, with three Vanuatuan batters dismissed without scoring and six dismissed inside their first 10 balls faced.

The victory sees the Australian Men's Indigenous XI win the series 3-1, their first overseas tour in five years.