Blackford’s unbeaten 149 powers Victoria to stunning chase

After wicketkeeper Liam Blackford scored an incredible century on his debut, his career was in jeopardy, and Victoria mounted a remarkable comeback to defeat Queensland by three wickets.

One of the greatest One-Day Cup knocks ever played was the left-hander's unbeaten 149 off 113 deliveries in Saturday's thriller at Allan Border Field.

After the visitors had fallen to 14 for 4 in response to Queensland's 335 for 7, Blackford and the captain of Victoria, Will Sutherland, added 152 runs for the sixth wicket from 143 balls to ignite the run chase.

After suffering a blood clot in his right arm in July 2023 and three subsequent surgeries, including a rib removal, Blackford, then 22 years old, played an inspirational knock. He was on the verge of losing an arm, but he has fought back from the edge.

Blackford hit every shot and scored his half-century with a pulled six off Mitch Swepson before scoring his century with 91 balls. He played a variety of shots after Sutherland was kicked out to win with one ball left.

"Really bizarre. After his heroics, Blackford stated, "It hasn't sunk in at all." "I was attempting to settle down because we were in quite a bit of trouble. I was obviously very nervous because this was my first game. It was wonderful to win. At this point, I don't really believe it."

The heroic comeback of Blackford is legendary. He stated, "A year without cricket, to be honest, a pretty long year." "I was fine, but I was taking medicine for the blood clot, so I couldn't play cricket because I wouldn't be able to hit the ball.

"I am thankful to be back out there right now. That is what motivates me to move forward. There was a chance of something different."

Queensland advanced toward what appeared to be an assured victory thanks to wicketkeeper Dylan McLachlan's stunning unbeaten half-century and Tom Straker's quick and furious spell.

In only his second List A game, McLachlan scored 66 not out in 29 deliveries with seven sixes, and Straker, a former Australian under-19 star paceman, ripped through the Victoria top order.

McLachlan, 27, took over for Jimmy Peirson, who was out with a hamstring injury and was the first choice wicketkeeper. In only his second match, his innings were simply phenomenal.

After Hugo Burdon scored the most runs, Lachlan Hearne contributed to the increase in the run rate. McLachlan and Max Bryant each hit 11 sixes.

When scoring was difficult, Queensland captain Marnus Labuschagne (42) batted, but he played to the conditions. Before he smashed the first ball from spinner Matt Short straight back at him, he was just beginning to find his rhythm, and the bowler managed to snag a blinder by sticking out a paw.