Tasmanian Tigers squander home Sheffield Shield final with loss to South Australia

Tasmania will be left ruing a final round loss to South Australia with the Tigers to now head to Western Australia for the Sheffield Shield final.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 13: Nathan McAndrew of the Redbacks celebrates the wicket of Gabe Bell of the Tigers during the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and South Australia at Blundstone Arena, on March 13, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Tasmania’s hopes of hosting the Sheffield Shield final are over following a 134-run loss to South Australia on Wednesday.

The Tigers were primed to secure a home final with either a win or a draw against the Redbacks but blew a golden opportunity for a Blundstone Arena final following two poor innings with the bat.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 13: Jordan Buckingham of the Redbacks celebrates the wicket of Kieran Elliott of the Tigers during the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and South Australia at Blundstone Arena, on March 13, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

After making just 123 in the first innings, the Tigers headed into day three requiring 316 runs to win and with nine wickets and two days in hand it appeared the home side was in the box seat.

But another terrific spell with the ball from the visitors – led by Jordan Buckingham (5-65) – saw the Tigers bowled out for a below 200 score for the second time in the match (123 & 189).

After opener Matthew Wade (0 off 11) fell late on day two, fellow opener Caleb Jewell (11 off 12) and nightwatchman Gabe Bell (0 off 6) both departed early on Wednesday.

Skipper Jordan Silk (14 off 40) and Charlie Wakim (23 off 34) were both unable to bat through following promising starts, leaving Jake Doran (34 off 48) and Beau Webster (68 off 76) to keep the Tigers in the contest.

But it wasn’t enough for the Tigers to secure a win meaning they will now face Western Australia at the WACA following their win over Victoria on Wednesday.

Tasmania were jumped by WA on the final ladder with the final to be played from March 21-25.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 13: Beau Webster of the Tigers celebrates scoring a half century during the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and South Australia at Blundstone Arena, on March 13, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Despite the loss, Tigers captain Jordan Silk said he was “immensely proud” of his side to have qualified for the final after finishing in fifth place last season.

“We would have travelled anywhere to be part of the Shield final and regardless of what happens at the Junction Oval this afternoon, I’m still immensely proud of what this group has been able to achieve this year,” he said post-match.

“There were probably a lot of question marks around our list going into it and to have done what we have, particularly well led by Beau Webster … it’s the best (individual season) I’ve seen.”