Liam Blackford hits debut century to lead Victoria past Queensland

Victoria secured a three-wicket victory over Queensland in the 2026-27 Australian One-Day Cup season opener at Allan Border Field. The match was highlighted by a remarkable debut performance from wicketkeeper Liam Blackford, who scored an unbeaten 149 off 113 deliveries.

Blackford’s century was part of a critical 152-run sixth-wicket partnership with captain Will Sutherland, who scored 100. Their efforts rescued Victoria from a precarious position of 4-14 in response to Queensland’s total of 7-335. Blackford’s performance follows a significant medical recovery after a blood clot and multiple surgeries in 2023 threatened his professional career.

Earlier in the match, Victorian all-rounder Matt Short provided an early breakthrough by taking a one-handed return catch to dismiss Queensland captain Marnus Labuschagne for 42 on his very first delivery of the innings.