Perfect one-day farewell for Lehmann
A virtuoso unbeaten century from Darren Lehmann, with a lot of help from Matt Elliott, has steered South Australia to stunning eight wicket win over Western Australia at Adelaide Oval in Lehmann’s farewell state one-day game.
Chasing the vast target of 306, Lehmann entered the battle with South Australia 2 for 72 in the 13th over.
Tough spot.
Not only did the veteran steer the Redbacks to an unlikely victory, South Australia’s highest successful chase in its history, but Lehmann took them home with a whopping three overs to spare.
Lehmann routed 126 not out off 104 balls. The innings included 15 fours and a six. At the other end, Matt Elliott hit form, staying unbeaten on 133. Elliott may have outscored the departing legend, but this victory belonged to Lehmann.
Given a standing ovation on his walk to the crease, Lehmann immediately took control of the match out of the hands of the Warriors, despite the formidable target. Fittingly, the winning runs came via a trademark Lehmann stroke, backing away to Steve Magoffin, audaciously lifting a short ball tennis racquet style to the vacant third man boundary.
“It was a good night, wasn’t it?,” Lehmann told Fox Sports.
“I couldn’t have scripted it any better. Dream come true at the end.”
Warriors first drop Sean Ervine appeared to have the man-of-the-match award sewn up at dinner, having scored a spectacular 134 off 129 balls.
Lehmann, who put on an unbeaten 232 run stand with Elliott, has one more assignment before he pulls stumps on his twenty-year first class career, a four-day game against WA starting on Friday.
Bet the Warriors can’t wait.
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What a player! Australian cricket will miss you boof!