NSW demolish Tasmania to end Sheffield Shield final drought
NSW have bullied their way into the Sheffield Shield final with a thumping final day thrashing of Tasmania, inspired by a stunning spell from impressive all-rounder Sean Abbott.
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New South Wales are into their first Sheffield Shield final for five years after an incredible spell of bowling from Sean Abbott demolished Tasmania on day four at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval.
Needing a victory to stave off Western Australia’s push for a berth in the final, the Blues were facing a nervous final day on Saturday but instead came away with a comfortable 149-run winning margin.
Despite Tasmania showing plenty of batting resolve in recent matches, the home side crumbled and were removed for 120 within a session.
Abbott was the chief destroyer, picking a perfect time to return career-best figures of 7-45 as Tasmania chased an achievable target of 270.
NSW elected to declare overnight at 5-149 after Western Australia grabbed a temporary hold on second spot with their three-day win over Queensland.
Tasmania’s in-form top-order were immediately in trouble, with Abbott’s seaming deliveries reducing the home side to 5-23.
Matthew Wade scored 65 and was the only recognised batman to reach double figures.
Abbott duly combined with Trent Copeland (2-31) to roll through the tail as Tasmania were dismissed before the end of an elongated morning session.
NSW will meet Victoria in the five-day Shield final which commences next Thursday at Melbourne’s Junction Oval.
VICTORIA IMPRESS IN FINAL WARM-UP
Meanwhile, Victoria geared up for next week’s final in style, securing a confident seven-wicket win over South Australia in Adelaide.
The Vics eased to their 167-run victorytarget before lunch on day four as a winless South Australia ended a forgettable season with a sixth defeat.
The Vics effectively played the match with only four recognised batsmen after electing to field five bowlers with an eye on next week’s final, only to lose in-form run-scorer Nic Maddinson to injury on day one.
The final-day win was set up by a 130-run opening stand between Travis Dean (61) and Marcus Harris (65).
Harris’ innings was enough to push the Test opener past 1000 runs for the season and finish the regular season narrowly ahead of Tasmania’s Matthew Wade as the leading Shield run-scorer.
Victoria resumed on day four at 0-69 and rarely looked troubled.
There was a rare failure for young ace Will Pucovski, who failed to get off the mark, but Seb Gotch and Matt Short guided the Vics home.
Victoria have won three and drawn one of their four matches since the mid-season break.
Winners in three of the past four Shield seasons, the Vics will welcome New South Wales for the season decider, starting next Thursday in Melbourne.
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