In a thrilling Sheffield Shield match, South Australia secured a remarkable two-run victory against Tasmania in Hobart. The win came on the final ball of the game. Tasmania needed four runs off the last delivery to chase down a target of 429.
Riley Meredith connected with the final ball, sending it towards deep cover. A quick fielding effort resulted in a run out attempt at the non-striker’s end as Meredith was sent back by Lawrence Neil-Smith. The attempt was successful, giving South Australia an improbable win.
This victory ties the record for the narrowest winning margin in Sheffield Shield history, measured by runs. The match extended past 6 pm on the final day, adding to the drama.
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Tasmania appeared poised for victory before a late collapse. They lost four wickets for just four runs in the last nine balls of the match.
Tasmania needed 62 runs from nine overs, 44 from six, and just seven from the final over after Owen launched Nathan McAndrew over the mid-wicket boundary.
Reflecting on the nail-biting finish, South Australia captain Ben Manenti admitted, “I was content with the draw more than anything.” He added, “But Wes delivered six perfect yorkers in a row. Forty minutes ago, I thought they would win it with five wickets down.”
Manenti further remarked, “Realistically, we needed two wickets, and they only needed six runs. They could have easily knocked six singles to the deep fielder and sealed the game.”
“Hell of a game of Shield cricket.” he added.
This result places South Australia at the top of the Sheffield Shield table. Conversely, Tasmania now sits at the bottom.