South Australia dismantled Victoria’s lower order to win the Sheffield Shield final and claim back-to-back titles for the first time.
Needing 196 runs to win, the home team began the fifth day at Junction Oval at 102–5 and were bowled out for 139, giving South Africa a 56-run win.
There was controversy on the fifth and final day, when leading Victorian batsman Oliver Peak was given out when Test keeper Alex Carey took a sharp diving catch off Liam Scott.
Side-on TV footage showed that Scott’s delivery was a front-foot no ball, but the delivery stride was partially obscured by the non-striker batsman.
Peake made only four and his dismissal was a serious blow to Victoria, who had dominated the season and were favorites to win their first title since 2018–19.
Scott, the Shield Player of the Year, took 3-32 as Victoria lost their last five wickets for just 27 runs. Henry Thornton took 3-12, including the last two wickets, and Nathan McAndrew took 3-50.
After scoring a century in last year’s final, Carey won by scoring 103 runs on the fourth day.
McAndrew was named player of the match for his 60 and six wickets in the second innings. His 105-run partnership with Carey for the eighth wicket decisively capped a thrilling final which was full of plot twists and turns.
When McAndrew came to the crease, Test fast bowler Scott Boland was on a hat-trick and South Africa’s score was 122–7.
It looked as if the game would not last until Sunday afternoon. Instead, the visitors took control and Victoria lost their last seven wickets for 37 runs.
The Wicks started well on the final morning and fell 10 runs short of the target, before nightwatchmen Mitch Perry and Nathan Murphy were out in successive overs.
Peake then lost his wicket and for once captain Will Sutherland was caught by Ben Manenti at first slip off Thornton, dealing a blow to Victoria’s hopes.
Thornton completed the win by bowling out Fergus O’Neill.
SA only finished second in the last game of the regular season to make the finals.
South Africa captain Nathan McSweeney said, “We really had to dig deep. Our ability to stay in the game is incredible and to win two in a row with this group is very special.”
“It’s even better when we are all such good friends off the field. I couldn’t be more proud or privileged to captain so many great cricketers and even better ones.”
