Win gives Tasmania chance of finals

The Tasmanian Tigers could snatch an unlikely spot in the Sheffield Shield final after a resounding win over ladder leader NWS.

Tigers batsman Jordan Silk hits to the boundary on day 3 of the Marsh Sheffield Shield cricket match between the Tasmanian Tigers and the NSW Blues at Blundstone Arena in Hobart. Picture: AAP IMAGE/DAVE HUNT

TASMANIA’S surge towards an unlikely spot in the Sheffield Shield final is gathering serious momentum after the state completed a three day demolition of ladder leader NSW.

The Tigers closed out their home matches with back to back victories by romping to a nine-wicket win over the Blues to keep their slim hopes of finishing in the top two alive.

DOMINANT MORNING WITH BALL ON DAY THREE HAS TASMANIA ON TOP

While they will still need to defeat Victoria in their final contest and hope other results fall their way, the Tigers sent a clear message they have hit their straps albeit perhaps too late.

It has been a huge turnaround for a side which was routed for 78 by Queensland at the Gabba on the resumption from the Big Bash, who have bounced back with confidence boosting wins against Western Australia and the Blues.

Another team bowling effort saw the visitors skittled for 203 in their second innings, leaving a target of just 129 which was picked off with ease after openers Alex Doolan and Jordan Silk combined for the state’s best opening partnership of the season of 101.

Tigers batsmen Jordan Silk (left) and Charlie Wakim after Silk hit the winning runs on day 3 of the Marsh Sheffield Shield cricket match between the Tasmanian Tigers and the NSW Blues at Blundstone Arena in Hobart, Sunday, March 8, 2020. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Silk, who had scored just 89 runs at 7.4 since missing two games prior to Christmas after breaking his hand in the nets facing Riley Meredith, notched his first half century of the campaign while Doolan (47) was on track to follow suit before holing out to deep square leg off Test spinner Nathan Lyon with 27 runs required.

First innings top score Charlie Wakim helped Silk, who finished unbeaten on 67, overhaul the remainder of the target.

Umpires Simon Fry (left) and John Ward are applauded off the field after play on day 3 of the Marsh Sheffield Shield cricket match between the Tasmanian Tigers and the NSW Blues at Blundstone Arena in Hobart, Sunday, March 8, 2020. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Fittingly Silk hit the winning runs, cutting Lyon to the point fence for his sixth boundary.

Nathan Ellis (3-52), Sam Rainbird (3-72), Gabe Bell (2-51) and Lawrence Neil-Smith (2-17) all played their roles in reducing NSW from its overnight total of 3-105 to 7-181 at lunch, before Ellis and Rainbird mopped up the tail by taking 3-0 in four balls after the break.

Ellis finished with match figures of 9-95 to go with his nine wickets on debut against the Warriors.