Hugh Weibgen has announced himself as a star on the rise of Australian cricket as his unbeaten century lifted Queensland to an incredible two-wicket victory in their One Day Cup match against Western Australia at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field.
The 20-year-old walked to the crease with Queensland reeling at 4/38 in pursuit of the visitors’ imposing total of 321, set up by wicket keeper batter Joel Curtis’ maiden domestic hundred.
Curtis smashed 116 from 108 balls but was upstaged by Weibgen’s maiden ton in domestic ranks.
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The 20-year-old right-hander smashed nine fours and five sixes, finishing 115 not out from just 94 deliveries.
He combined with Lachlan Hearne (42) for a 68-run stand to stop the wave of West Australian momentum after Queensland skipper Marnus Labuschagne (2) and former Test batter Matt Renshaw (5) fell in the early carnage.
It was an 108-run partnership dominated by Jack Wildermuth (74 off 49) that made the Queenslanders dare to dream.
Weibgen then combined with Michael Neser (41 off 23) in a 71-stand that took the hosts to the brink of victory.
They still needed 37 off 36 balls with just three wickets in hand when Neser departed, but Weibgen would not be denied, remaining unflustered to steer his side home and secure their second win from as many games this season.
He hit the winning runs on the first ball of the final over, crunching a Matthew Kelly low full toss to the mid wicket fence.
Weibgen was captain of Australia’s victorious Under 19 side at last year’s World Cup, and was named as skipper and number three in the team of the tournament with an average of 50.66 and a century against England to his name.
That team is proving to be a promising one for Australia’s future as Sam Konstas has already played five Test matches and become a household name.
Meanwhile, the likes of fellow batters Harry Dixon and Oliver Peake as well as fast bowling quartet Callum Vidler, Charlie Anderson, Mahli Beardman and Tom Straker have all made waves for their respective states already.
Weibgen has made been made to bide a little more time than his U19 teammates, only making his white ball debut for Queensland earlier this week against Victoria.
He featured six times for the Sydney Thunder in last summer’s Big Bash, but is yet to play a Sheffield Shield match.
That will surely change this summer.
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