South Australia clinched a nail-biting victory over the Tasmanian Tigers in a thrilling Sheffield Shield match, marking one of the closest finishes in the competition’s history.
The match concluded with South Australia winning by the narrowest of margins—two runs—against the Tasmanian Tigers. This historic match saw the Tigers, who were chasing a formidable 429 to claim victory, fall just short. They needed four runs off the final ball but were left stunned when Riley Meredith was run out, seemingly unaware that a draw was within reach. Despite reaching a position of promise at 400-5, requiring 29 from 27 balls, the Tigers lost four crucial wickets in a dramatic final spell, derailing their chase.
This incredible finish is only the fourth instance in Sheffield Shield history that a match has been decided by a mere two runs. The last occurrence was in January 2003 when New South Wales narrowly defeated Western Australia. Other close encounters include Western Australia’s victories over Victoria in 1998 and over South Australia in 1999.
In the penultimate over, the Tasmanian Tigers stood at 413-6, needing just 16 runs to win. Lawrence Neil-Smith’s single brought the requirement down to 15. Mitch Owen then hit Nathan McAndrew for six, reducing the deficit to nine. However, Owen’s big shot attempt led to his dismissal, and Matthew Kuhnemann followed, departing first ball, leaving the Tigers in the lurch with seven runs still required.
The final over began with the Tigers needing seven with two wickets in hand. Neil-Smith and Gabe Bell faced a tense situation, but Bell couldn’t contribute, as Wes Agar bowled him out. Meredith managed a single, followed by Neil-Smith doing the same, leading to the climactic moment. Meredith, in an attempt to force a win, was run out, handing South Australia the victory.
South Australia’s captain Ben Manenti expressed surprise at the win, admitting he considered a draw likely,” I thought we were gone, then back in it, then gone again and back in it,” he remarked. Manenti praised Wes Agar for delivering six consecutive yorkers that turned the game around.
An interesting incident occurred during the chase, reminiscent of a famous run-out in the Ashes. With the Tigers progressing well, South Australia used short-ball tactics to slow the scoring. Tim Ward, who scored an impressive 142, stepped out of his crease after ducking a bouncer, leading to Harry Nielsen throwing down the stumps. However, the appeal was dismissed as the over had been called.
South Australia’s triumph over the Tasmanian Tigers will be remembered as one of the most memorable matches in Sheffield Shield history. The game was a testament to the dramatic unpredictability of cricket, showcasing both the brilliance and frailty that can occur in the sport’s most tense moments. With this win, South Australia reaches the top of the Sheffield Shield table, reflecting their determination and resilience.
Source: Bbc
