Tasmania Face Upset Loss, South Australia Set 316-Run Target
Tasmania’s hopes of hosting the Sheffield Shield final hang in the balance after South Australia set them a daunting target of 316 runs to chase. The Redbacks, who are out of contention for the final, bowled out Tasmania for a paltry 123 in their first innings, with Nathan McAndrew claiming 6 for 44.
In response, South Australia posted 175 in their second innings, with Harry Nielsen top-scoring with 53. Beau Webster was the pick of the Tasmanian bowlers, taking 3 for 37.
Tasmania’s chase got off to a disastrous start when Matthew Wade was dismissed for a duck in the penultimate over of the day. The Australian international was adjudged to have touched Jordan Buckingham’s delivery as he shouldered arms.
With just one day remaining in the match, Tasmania need to bat out of their skins to avoid an upset loss and secure hosting rights for the final. They will likely meet the winner of Western Australia’s clash with Victoria in the decider, though NSW remain a mathematical chance of qualifying if the game in Melbourne ends in an unlikely draw.