Tasmania v Western Australia, FR Cup, Hobart

Dighton century drives Tigers to victory

Cricinfo staff

December 1, 2007

Tasmania 7 for 229 (Dighton 106, McLauchlan 4-50) beat Western Australia 6 for 227 (Voges 88*, Wates 44*) by 3 wickets
Scorecard

Michael Dighton has been in excellent form for Tasmania © Getty Images

Michael Dighton completed a brilliant week with his second one-day century as Tasmania overcame Western Australia by three wickets in Hobart. Having slammed an unbeaten 146 against New South Wales on Sunday, Dighton backed up with a smooth 106 as he steered the successful chase of Western Australia's 6 for 227 and extended the Tigers' FR Cup lead to 10 points.

Dighton drove the ball strongly down the ground and was powerful off the back foot during his 119-ball innings that included 13 fours, including a pull off Brad Hogg to bring up three figures. The Tigers needed his mature display as they threatened to slip up on a two-paced pitch.

Travis Birt (18) and Ricky Ponting (10) went early in the chase and there were further stumbles when Dan Marsh, George Bailey - he fell to a stunning outfield catch by Ben Edmondson - and Tim Paine departed. Dighton look relaxed throughout and he almost sealed the win, exiting 18 runs short when he was caught trying to loft over mid-off. He became the third of Danny McLauchlan's four wickets and left Luke Butterworth to secure the result with 32 not out.

The pitch looked made for runs, but both teams had to fight on the surface after Western Australia won the toss and batted. They were rescued by their captain Adam Voges and Darren Wates after slumping to 6 for 129 when Hogg miscued a full-toss on 33.

Western Australia had Adam Gilchrist and Michael Hussey in their ranks, but both international players went quickly and when Sean Ervine was bowled trying to sweep Xavier Doherty they had lost half their batsmen for 75. Brendan Drew bowled both Hussey and Shaun Marsh while Ben Hilfenhaus and Brett Geeves also made early marks.

Voges remained calm and shelved his aggressive shots as he plotted a way out of the damage. It took him 118 balls to reach an unbeaten 88, which included two sixes as he accelerated, while Wates picked up 44 not out. The 98-run stand pushed the visitors to a useful total, but it was not enough.

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