WNCL: Bunbury batter Chloe Piparo scores half-century against Tasmania, WA still winless in 50-over campaign

Bunbury batter Chloe Piparo has made a strong start to her one-day season as Western Australia look to gain a footing in the early stages of the Women’s National Cricket League. Border restrictions meant WA failed to play a single game when the competition began in December and the late start has seen them struggle, losing three games — twice to South Australia and once to Tasmania — before Tuesday’s clash with Victoria was abandoned due to rain. But despite her team’s struggles, captain Piparo managed a impressive-looking 54 against Tasmania. The score came of 88 balls and included three boundaries, before an ugly switch-hit gone wrong saw her knock her own stumps over off the bowling of off-spinner Maisy Gibson. The half-century at the top of the order came as her teammates struggled behind her, finishing on 6-188. A 37-ball 25, 16 of which came from boundaries, against the Scorpions means Piparo has been one of her side’s most reliable performers, with the exception of an eight-ball duck against the same side. WA have four more games to come in the tournament, before the final is played on March 25. They next appear against New South Wales at North Sydney Oval on Friday, with a host of Breakers stars missing due to national duties at the Women’s World Cup. WA sit second to last on the WNCL table, ahead of only Victoria, who are missing stars Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning. Piparo has already tasted some success this summer, playing an important floating role in the middle-order for the Perth Scorchers as they went on to win the WBBL at Optus Stadium.