Kurtis Patterson anchors chase after Abbott and Dwarshuis wreck Tasmania early as NSW secure four-wicket win in 22-over contest

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Captain Kurtis Patterson produced a calm and match-winning knock to lead New South Wales (NSW) to the One-Day Cup title with a four-wicket victory over Tasmania in a rain-affected final in Hobart.

Persistent afternoon rain delayed the start and reduced Wednesday’s final to a 22-overs-per-side contest, with play eventually beginning at 6.15 pm—just 12 minutes before the cut-off time for a washout.

NSW’s bowlers wasted no time making an impact. Returning from national duty, Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis ripped through Tasmania’s top order, claiming four wickets in the first four overs. The hosts slumped to 25 for 5 inside the powerplay, leaving them struggling to recover.

Tasmania were eventually bowled out for 118 in 20.3 overs. Nikhil Chaudhary was the top scorer with a brisk 31 off 24 balls from No. 8, while veteran Matthew Wade contributed 15. Joel Davies later removed Chaudhary, who hit a delivery straight to cover with just over two overs remaining.

Chasing 119, NSW suffered early setbacks when Josh Philippe edged Riley Meredith to Beau Webster at second slip in the first over. Patterson, however, steadied the innings and played the anchor role throughout the chase.

Tasmania kept fighting by taking regular wickets to maintain pressure. Nathan Ellis struck key blows, including Chris Green, who was beaten by a sharply nipping delivery from Meredith, leaving NSW in trouble at 73 for 5.

At that stage, Joel Davies delivered a crucial cameo, smashing 20 off just 10 balls to ease the pressure on Patterson. The captain held his nerve to finish unbeaten on 52 off 57 balls, guiding NSW to the target with 11 balls remaining.

For his match-winning effort, Patterson was awarded the Michael Bevan Medal as Player of the Final. His innings also capped a remarkable season in the competition, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 565 runs at an impressive average of 113.

The victory also marked a memorable farewell for departing coach Greg Shipperd, who had been axed from his role in January but stayed on to complete the season.

Tasmania, who finished first on the points table, would have claimed the trophy if the match had been abandoned due to rain. Instead, NSW seized their opportunity to lift the Dean Jones Trophy, securing their first One-Day Cup title since the 2020–21 season, while Tasmania’s wait for the title continues since their last triumph in 2009–10.