South Australia defeated Tasmania by 87 runs in a thrilling Sheffield Shield match at Adelaide Oval. After being bowled out for just 93 in the first innings, South Australia bounced back, dismissing Tasmania for 101. The highlight was Brendan Doggett’s impressive 6-40. In their second innings, South Australia scored 388, with notable contributions from Sangha (75), Scott (69*), and McInerney (61). Tasmania, chasing 381, managed to reach 293, thanks to Radhakrishnan’s 68 and Doran’s 65, but legspinner Lloyd Pope took three late wickets to secure South Australia’s fifth win of the season and strengthen their title hopes.
South Australia 93 (Elliott 6-23) and 388 (Sangha 75, Scott 69*, McInerney 61) defeated Tasmania 101 (Doggett 6-40) and 293 (Radhakrishnan 68, Doran 65, Webster 53, Pope 4-76) by 87 runs
Chasing 381 runs for victory, Tasmania exceeded 200 runs with three wickets down as they attempted to achieve a remarkable run chase on the final day of play at Adelaide Oval.
However, legspinner Pope took three of the last seven wickets, guiding the table leaders, SA, to their fifth win in eight matches this season. They are now well-positioned for the final as they aim for their first Shield title since 1996.
Webster smashed five fours and a six during his quickfire 59-ball innings, but he was the final wicket to fall, caught by Jake Lehman off Nathan McAndrew.
Lehman, who had dropped a couple of catches earlier in the match, nearly let the last opportunity slip but secured the catch on his second attempt.
This marked the conclusion of a thrilling match, where 20 wickets fell on the first day. Remarkably, it was the first instance of SA winning a Shield match after batting first and scoring less than 100 runs in their first innings.
They were bowled out for 93 but came back to dismiss Tasmania for 101 on Tuesday, thanks to a standout performance from Brendan Doggett, who took 6 for 40 and was named player of the match.
Radhakrishnan, a 22-year-old of Indian heritage who bowls both right-arm and left-arm spin, added 79 runs for the fourth wicket with Doran as Tasmania briefly contemplated victory.
Pope was on the verge of a hat-trick when he dismissed tailenders Kieran Elliott and Gabe Bell, both caught for ducks by Manenti.