Western Australia v New South Wales, FR Cup, Perth

Ronchi rockets to fastest domestic hundred

Cricinfo staff

February 7, 2007

Western Australia 2 for 210 (Ronchi 105, North 66*) beat New South Wales 209 (Katich 66, North 3-26, Wates 3-43) by 8 wickets
Scorecard

Luke Ronchi's century took only 56 deliveries © Getty Images

Luke Ronchi entered the record-books with Australia's fastest domestic one-day century as Western Australia humiliated New South Wales at Perth. Ronchi's 56-ball hundred eclipsed the previous quickest, the 62-delivery effort by his team-mate Adam Voges two seasons ago.

Ronchi was eventually out for 105 from 64 balls but Marcus North (66 not out) propelled the Warriors to their target of 210 with only two wickets down in the 31st over. Ronchi's first limited-overs century featured 11 fours and five sixes as he cracked what should have been a strong attack all over the ground.

The blitz did Stuart Clark no favours in his attempt to impress the selectors ahead of the World Cup. Clark bowled too short in the opening overs and Ronchi comfortably rocked back to pull him for three fours within nine balls. Clark fought back to finish with 1 for 47 from his ten overs but it was Daniel Christian who took the most punishment. Ronchi hammered Christian for 21 from his first over and nine from his second as the score flew to 0 for 88 from ten overs.

Ronchi's sixes were mostly from pulls - including one that brought up his hundred - but a superb lofted drive that cleared the long-off rope confirmed he was not just an on-side slogger. Although he frequently hit in the air, Ronchi gave only one chance: he was dropped on 78 by Dominic Thornely at slip off Doug Bollinger.

Clark finally removed Ronchi from a top-edged hook to fine-leg but North carried on with four sixes as the Warriors comfortably brought up their win. New South Wales never looked like setting an imposing total after Simon Katich won the toss and batted, as regular wickets kept them on the back foot. Katich's 66 from 74 balls helped but North and Darren Wates snared three victims each as the visitors were bowled out for 209 in the 47th over.

The loss capped off a disappointing tournament for New South Wales, who finished with three wins from their ten games. They will end up last should South Australia claim victory in either of their last two matches. The Warriors' five wins were not enough to give them a place in the FR Cup final.

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