NEW SOUTH Wales has done its WNCL Final hopes no harm, defeating the Australian Capital Territory by 42 runs yesterday.

After a poor start to its innings – falling to 1-6 on the penultimate ball of the second over – NSW responded in a huge way, responding to that first wicket partnership with a 212 one, over 35 times larger than the one proceeding it.

That partnership was the work of two of NSW’s youngest stars in Tahlia Wilson and Anika Learoyd. Wilson went on to blast a whopping 18 fours on her way to 142, while Learoyd made an also impressive 81.

Despite how tough it was in the field, Anesu Mushangwe (three wickets) and Zoe Cooke (two wickets) can hang their heads high after strong performances with ball in hand.

In reply, the Meteors did have a solid showing through the middle of the innings with a 94-run fifth wicket partnership, but as is unfortunately all too common for a young side like the Meteors, their tail end fell really cheaply and went from 6-205 at the end of the 42nd over to all out in the 34 balls later.

Grace Dignam (50) and Annie Wikman (42) fought hardest in the resistance, but with everyone else dismissed so much cheaper their hard work was in vain.

On the flipside of the innings equation, Sammy-Jo Johnson starred with ball in hand taking four wickets.

The teams will play each other again tomorrow, but in order for NSW to get into the final, the Breakers have to win and hope South Australia does not, or if South Australia does win NSW needs to win with a bonus point and hope the net run rate differential between the sides is eliminated.

New South Wales vs Australian Capital Territory

Result: New South Wales won by 42 runs
POTM: Tahlia Wilson
Toss: Australian Capital Territory won and chose to field

NSW 8-271 (50)

Tahlia Wilson 142 (159), Anika Learoyd 81 (103)
Anesu Mushangwe 3-54 (10), Zoe Cooke 2-46 (10)

ACT 10-229 (47.4)

Grace Dignam 50 (59), Annie Wikman 42 (50)
Sammy-Jo Johnson 4/40 (10), Lauren Cheatle 2/44 (10)