Explosive hitting from Sam Whiteman and Nathan Coulter-Nile has led Western Australia to first-innings points in the Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania at the WACA Ground.

WA were cruising on day two at 3-127 before slumping to 7-208 in pursuit of Tasmania’s total of 248.

Warriors opener Marcus North made 87 but had to rely on paceman Coulter-Nile, who smashed 34 from 18 balls with four boundaries and two sixes, and Whiteman.

The young wicketkeeper got in on the act, making 55 with eight fours and two sixes including a massive hit off the bowling of Xavier Doherty to bring up his half-century.

The pair led WA to the two competition points and were eventually bowled out for 279 with an overall lead of 31 on the first innings.

Ben Hilfenhaus was the best with the ball for Tasmania picking up 6-82 from his 23.3 overs.

WA began the second day in a commanding position at 1-59 but nightwatchman Michael Beer lasted just five deliveries before being clean bowled by Luke Butterworth for two.

Marcus Harris and North then combined for a solid 33-run partnership for the third wicket before Harris was out top-edging an attempted pull short off Andrew Fekete.

WA were then 3-93 and 4-127 just before lunch when captain Adam Voges was caught at second slip by Butterworth off Hilfenhaus for 18.

North and Mitch Marsh looked capable of getting WA close to their target before North fell to a poor shot to a short ball from Hilfenhaus and hit it straight down fine leg’s throat.

Marsh (30) didn’t last much longer, caught at slip to a lazy defensive shot off left-arm spinner Doherty.

It was then 7-208 when Ashton Turner was gone for 13 before Whiteman and Coulter-Nile starting hitting out.