Late strikes gives SA edge in absorbing Shield final

SA struck twice late on day four to snatch the momentum from Victoria in a Sheffield Shield final that is too close to call.. Set 196 to win their first Shield title since 2018-19, the home side was 5-102 at stumps on Sunday at Junction Oval.. Nightwatchmen Todd Murphy and Mitch Perry were yet to score..

Victoria had recovered from a shaky start and were 3-102 less than 20 minutes from stumps when they lost crucial wickets in successive overs.. First Henry Thornton had Peter Handscomb caught behind for 28, ending the 67-run stand that looked as though it could decide the final.. Then Marcus Harris was caught by Ben Manenti at second slip off Liam Scott for 35, leaving Victoria in strife again at 5-102..

A quick kill looked possible for Victoria when Scott Boland was bowling for a hat-trick and SA had slumped to 7-122 - only 59 ahead - after resuming at 5-94.. But Alex Carey and Nathan McAndrew fought back to ensure this tight final would go into day five.. They put on 105 for the eighth wicket before McAndrew was dismissed for 60, while Carey was the last out for 103 and SA reached 258 at tea..

Carey also made a ton in last season's victorious Shield final.. He hit six fours and a six in his commanding 168-ball knock.. McAndrew continued his heroics at the start of Victoria's run chase, claiming wickets in successive overs..

That had the home side in early strife at 3-35, before Handscomb and Harris combined and looked like they were putting Victoria in control.. South Australia must win to successfully defend their title.. Sunday featured a healthy crowd of more than 2000, with the sunny conditions in stark contrast to the rain that had interrupted play through the first three days of the final..

Australian Associated Press.