WA Extends Lead Over VIC in Sheffield Shield Thriller
Western Australia (WA) has extended its lead over Victoria (VIC) in a thrilling Sheffield Shield encounter at Junction Oval. After dismissing VIC for a paltry 144, WA’s top-order faltered, but Cameron Bancroft and Josh Inglis steadied the ship with a 75-run partnership.
WA’s seamers, led by Cameron Gannon and Joel Paris, exploited the green-tinged surface to dismantle VIC’s batting lineup. Marcus Harris, Campbell Kellaway, and Peter Handscomb fell cheaply, leaving Mitchell Perry and Matthew Short to rebuild.
Short counterattacked with a quickfire half-century, but his dismissal triggered a collapse. Will Sutherland and Perry departed in quick succession, and VIC’s lower order offered little resistance. Gannon and Haskett shared eight wickets, highlighting WA’s depth in the absence of injured quicks Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris, and Matt Kelly.
VIC fought back in WA’s second innings, with Fergus O’Neill dismissing Sam Whiteman, Jayden Goodwin, and Hilton Cartwright in quick succession. Aaron Hardie also fell cheaply, but Inglis counterpunched with a belligerent 45.
However, Todd Murphy provided a late twist, dismissing Inglis and Charlie Stobo to leave WA on 119 for 6. Bancroft remained unbeaten on 42, stretching WA’s lead to 219 runs.
With Tasmania already securing a place in the final, WA can leapfrog them with a victory and clinch a home final starting on March 21. VIC, on the other hand, need a draw to qualify. The match is poised for a thrilling finish as both teams battle for a spot in the decider.