SYDNEY, Nov 7: Australian Test captain Steve Waugh bludgeoned 117 not out to lead New South Wales to a thrilling five-wicket win over Western Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground here on Friday.

Chasing 303 from 52 overs, the reigning Shield champions reached their target with 4.4 overs and five wickets to spare as they thrashed 303 for five wickets on an enthralling final day.

The match had been brought back to life by Western Australian captain Justin Langer when he closed his team’s second innings with 362 for eight wickets.

Waugh was wonderfully supported by Test left-hander Simon Katich (71 not out from 45 balls) and Phil Jaques (43 from 35).

Arriving at the crease with New South Wales 70 for three wickets, Waugh immediately stamped his authority on the game as he raced to his half-century from 46 balls.

Katich made light of a thumb injury as he pulverised the bowling of his former team-mates.

His second innings mastery followed a classic unbeaten 182 in the first innings.

Earlier in the day, Langer completed 163 not out — a knock that ended speculation the Test left-hander’s Australian position could be in danger. —AFP