South Australia remain in contention for the Sheffield Shield title after crucial performances from Alex Carey and Nathan McAndrew, with Victoria faltering in their chase late on day four at Junction Oval.
Victoria, set a target of 196, closed at 102 for 5 and still require 94 runs to win.
Carey Century Leads South Australia Fightback
Carey produced a high-quality 103, his second century in consecutive Shield finals, while McAndrew contributed a vital 60. The pair combined for a 105-run partnership to revive South Australia from a precarious 122 for 7 after Scott Boland struck twice in successive deliveries on his way to 3 for 78.
Earlier, South Australia had been bowled out for 258 in their second innings, setting up a competitive target.
Boland Burst Puts SA Under Pressure
Carey had entered the crease with South Australia struggling at 35 for 3 and faced challenging conditions through the latter part of day three and into the fourth morning.
Boland produced a decisive spell that threatened to swing the match firmly in Victoria’s favour. He trapped Liam Scott lbw with a sharp delivery before removing Ben Manenti with a ball that lifted off a similar length and found the outside edge.
Carey safely negotiated the hat-trick delivery, guiding it into the leg side for a single, before rebuilding alongside McAndrew.
McAndrew Supports as Partnership Turns the Game
As the ball softened, Carey accumulated steadily while McAndrew grew in confidence. The lower-order batter struck eight fours and a six in his 60, showing composure against sustained pressure.
A moment of fortune came when McAndrew, on 43, edged a delivery between slip fielders Scott Boland and Peter Handscomb, with neither taking the catch.
The stand lifted South Australia to 204 for 7 by lunch, giving them a defendable lead before Sutherland broke the partnership shortly after the interval.
Carey Reaches Century Before Late Wickets
Carey continued to anchor the innings despite limited support, progressing carefully toward his century. He eventually reached the milestone before falling to Fergus O’Neill, gloving a scoop shot to slip against the second new ball.
South Australia were dismissed for 258, setting Victoria a target of 196.
Victoria Stumble in Chase
Victoria’s reply got off to a poor start. Sam Harper was bowled by Jordan Buckingham, before McAndrew struck twice in quick succession.
Dylan Brasher was caught and bowled after a leading edge, while Campbell Kellaway was trapped lbw, leaving Victoria at 35 for 3.
Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb rebuilt with a 67-run stand, appearing to steady the innings. However, both batters were dismissed late in the day.
Handscomb edged behind off Henry Thornton while attempting a cut shot, and Harris followed soon after, edging Liam Scott to second slip while driving.
With two nightwatchers sent in to close out the day, Victoria ended at 102 for 5, leaving the match finely balanced heading into the final day.
Brief Scores
- South Australia 198 and 258 (Alex Carey 103, Nathan McAndrew 60; Scott Boland 3-78)
- Victoria 261 and 102 for 5 (Marcus Harris 35; Nathan McAndrew 2-33)
- Victoria need 94 runs to win
