New South Wales’ hopes of victory in their Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria dwindled on day three as they were left chasing an improbable 383 runs with just four wickets in hand. Despite a valiant six-wicket haul from Mitchell Starc, the Blues were left reeling at 185 for 6 at stumps, still 197 runs adrift of their target.
Sam Konstas, who had been touted as a potential Test debutant, failed to capitalize on his opportunity, scoring 43 before being dismissed by Todd Murphy. Steven Smith also fell cheaply, trapped lbw by Scott Boland for a duck.
Josh Philippe provided some resistance with an unbeaten half-century, but the Blues’ chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost four wickets for just 35 runs. Boland was the chief destroyer, claiming the scalps of Nic Maddinson, Smith, and Ollie Davies.
Earlier in the day, Victoria had set the Blues a daunting target thanks to half-centuries from Sam Harper and Tom Rogers. Harper made 72 before holing out to wide fine leg, while Rogers scored 59 in his maiden first-class half-century.
Starc was the standout performer for the Blues, finishing with figures of 6 for 81 from 17.5 overs. He dismissed both O’Neill and Murphy to complete his six-wicket haul, but the damage had already been done.
With just one day remaining in the match, Victoria are firm favorites to secure victory. The Blues will need to produce a remarkable batting performance to pull off an unlikely win.
