SOUTH Australia has become the first state to lift the Dean Jones Trophy after defeating Victoria by 64 runs in the 2024/25 One-Day Cup final. It was the SACA’s first title in 13 years, with the possibility to claim a maiden domestic double still in play given they currently sit atop the Sheffield Shield table.

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The hosts defended their total of 268 in front of just over 6,000 fans at Adelaide Oval, bowling Victoria out for 204 in the 44th over. Losing captain Will Sutherland was the final wicket to fall, and had claims on being the inaugural Michael Bevan Medallist for his half-century and figures of 3-67.

Instead, Player of the Final honours went to South Australian’s Henry Thornton. The potent quick took 4-27 in his 9.3 overs, including the wicket of Sutherland. He was integral in sealing the result, claiming four of the last five dismissals as his side strangled the Vics on an two-paced pitch.

Earlier in the defence, Nathan McAndrew (3-47) chimed in with the key scalps of Harry Dixon (5) and Sam Harper (12). Skipper Nathan McSweeney also popped up with 2-14, initially breaking the innings-best stand of 61 between Marcus Harris (41) and Campbell Kellaway (24).

It was his remarkable return catch to send Peter Handscomb (1) packing which truly lit a spark for the South Australians, seeing Victoria fall from 1-74 to 3-78 in the space of eight deliveries. Consistent wickets left Sutherland as the Vics’ last hope, though not even his 50 runs could spark a fightback. 

The visitors had sent South Australia in to bat at the toss and looked like Sutherland looked to justify his decision with three wickets in the first half of the innings. Harry Nielsen (68 off 93) was made to hold down an end as his side was positioned precariously at 4-118 and dug in valiantly.

After he made way off the arm of Peter Siddle (3-40), Jake Lehmann (67 off 76) combined with Player of the Tournament Liam Scott (54* off 37) to lift the run rate, Their flourishing 69-run partnership went a long way to posting what ended up being a defendable total.

The result marks a triumphant turnaround for South Australia under coach Ryan Harris. The side finished last in the 2023/24 season with just one win, but could now go on to claim a pair of domestic trophies having gone without one for over a decade. Fourth time proved a charm after losing in their last three One-Day Cup finals.

SCORECARD

RESULT: South Australia won by 64 runs
TOSS: Victoria elected to bowl first

South Australia 7-268 (50)
Harry Nielsen 68 (93), Jake Lehmann 67 (76), Liam Scott 54* (37)
Peter Siddle 3-40 (10), Will Sutherland 3-67 (10), Fergus O’Neill 1-64 (9)

Victoria 10-204 (43.3)
Will Sutherland 50 (52), Marcus Harris 41 (42), Tom Rogers 26 (51)
Henry Thornton 4-27 (9.3), Nathan McAndrew 3-47 (8), Nathan McSweeney 2-14 (4)

Michael Bevan Medal: Henry Thornton (South Australia)