Out-of-favour Australia opener Nathan McSweeney struck a blazing match-winning 85 not out in the first unofficial ODI between Australia A and Sri Lanka A in Darwin on Friday (July 4).
After being put in to bat first, Australia A lost both openers – Campbell Kellaway (20) and Josh Philippe (29) – inside 12 overs to leave them at 58/2. Jason Sangha, coming in at No. 3, added 71 runs with captain Matt Renshaw before departing immediately after scoring his fifty, reducing the hosts to 129-3 in 25.3 overs.
Nathan McSweeney hits rapid half-century for Australia A
Then came McSweeney at No.5. Alongside Renshaw, he built a quickfire century stand, the pair adding 103 runs in just 14 overs. Renshaw looked good for a hundred but fell for 80 in the 40th over, caught behind off Pramod Madushan.
McSweeney remained unbeaten on 85 off 63 balls, propelling Australia A to 332-4. In an unbroken 100-run partnership, he was supported by Oliver Peake, who stayed not out on 55 off 38. McSweeney, the innings' top scorer, struck nine fours and a six, providing crucial middle-order momentum.
1st unofficial ODI, Australia A vs Sri Lanka A
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The innings should do wonders for McSweeney’s confidence after a tumultuous debut in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Having earned his Test spot as an opener after leading Australia A to a 2-0 series victory against India A, his form failed to translate to the highest level. Across the first three Tests, he managed just 10, 0, 39, 10*, 9, and 4, with Jasprit Bumrah repeatedly proving his kryptonite. By the fourth Test in Melbourne, he was dropped for rising star Sam Konstas, and hasn’t featured for Australia since.
Also read: Australia A vs Sri Lanka A 2025, all you need to know: Schedule, squads, where to watch live
In reply, only Kamil Mishara (65) offered resistance as Sri Lanka collapsed for 134 in 35.4 overs, with eight batters falling for single-digit scores. Sam Elliot starred for the hosts, claiming 5-14 from nine overs to dismantle the lineup.
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