TASMANIA is at risk of missing out on a home Sheffield Shield final, with South Australia doing a fine job of playing spoiler in their clash at Blundstone Arena. The Tigers were set 324 for victory on day two and went into stumps at 1-8, still requiring 316 runs to lock in top spot.

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Matt Wade was dismissed twice in one day, with the second coming as his side was made to face four overs to close proceedings. Tassie’s first dig yielded just 123 runs after resuming yesterday at 3-27, with Nathan McAndrew (6-44) doing much of the damage alongside Brendan Doggett (4-36).

Such feats saw the Redbacks secure a first innings lead of 148, which they added 175 more runs to. While the likes of Beau Webster (3-37) and Iain Carlisle (3-42) bowled to keep their side in the contest, Harry Nielsen (53) proved a thorn in the Tigers’ side with handy lower order runs.

Tasmania’s best hope of locking in a home final now rests on either playing to a draw, securing an unlikely win from here, or having Victoria beat Western Australia in the coinciding game at Junction Oval. The latter two results, however, are becoming less viable by the day.

WA’s pursuit of a third-straight title is well placed after day two at the CitiPower Centre. The Warriors finished day two on 6-119, leading by 219 runs after securing a 100-run first innings lead. Cameron Bancroft will resume play on 42*, looking to push his side further ahead.

Cameron Gannon‘s 5-42 played a big part in Victoria stumbling to a total of 144 yesterday, leaving the visitors to take a stronghold on proceedings. The Warriors were 4-31 in their second dig, before Bancroft and Josh Inglis (45) combined to steady the ship.

Should Western Australia pull off the away victory, it is possible the reigning champion will host this season’s final. The Warriors, renowned for grasping opportunities when it matters, could pounce on Tasmania slipping up against the lowly South Australia.

Meanwhile up in Brisbane, New South Wales is pushing hard to stay in the hunt after losing plenty of time in its clash with Queensland. Chris Tremain (6-20) and his Blues ran through the Bulls on day two for a total of 144, before amassing 5-222 by the close of play.

Xavier Bartlett had a day to remember for the hosts, posting a high score of 70 before dismissing Blake Nikitaras for a golden duck at the start of New South Wales’ innings. Sam Konstas (57) helped the Blues recover, while Oliver Davies continued his strong form to remain unbeaten on 79.

Davies will resume at the crease alongside Jack Edwards (31), needing quick runs to help push the result along. New South Wales must win with enough bonus points to stand any chance of scraping into second spot, while relying on a draw between Victoria and Western Australia.

SCORECARDS

TASMANIA vs. SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Blundstone Arena, Hobart

Stumps, Day Two

Tasmania won the toss & elected to bowl.

1st Innings: South Australia 10-271 (77.2)
Nathan McSweeney 117 (174), Kyle Brazell 29 (55), Ben Manenti 29 (27)
Iain Carlisle 3-62 (18), Beau Webster 3-63 (18), Kieran Elliott 3-65 (14.2)

2nd Innings: Tasmania 10-123 (36.2)
Jake Doran 52 (77), Bradley Hope 31 (36), Matthew Wade 20 (36)
Nathan McAndrew 6-44 (15.2), Brendan Doggett 4-36 (10), Jordan Buckingham 0-35 (9)

South Australia led by 148 runs.

3rd Innings: South Australia 10-175 (59.1)
Harry Nielsen 53 (87), Ben Manenti 33 (65), Kyle Brazell 30 (81)
Beau Webster 3-37 (16), Iain Carlisle 3-42 (15), Kieran Elliott 2-14 (9)

South Australia led by 323 runs.

4th Innings: Tasmania 1-8 (4)
Caleb Jewell 3* (9), Gabe Bell 0* (5)
Jordan Buckingham 1-2 (2), Nathan McAndrew 0-2 (2)

Tasmania requires 316 runs for victory with 9 wickets remaining.

VICTORIA vs. WESTERN AUSTRALIA
CitiPower Centre, Melbourne

Stumps, Day Two

Victoria won the toss & elected to bowl.

1st Innings: Western Australia 10-244 (83.1)
Jayden Goodwin 43 (117), Aaron Hardie 40 (108), Sam Whiteman 35 (57)
Scott Boland 4-41 (19), Fergus O’Neill 3-48 (17.1), Todd Murphy 2-54 (17)

2nd Innings: Victoria 10-144 (43)
Matt Short 53 (69), Mitchell Perry 37 (95), Todd Murphy 21* (18)
Cameron Gannon 5-42 (12), Liam Haskett 3-36 (8), Joel Paris 2-16 (8)

Western Australia led by 100 runs.

3rd Innings: Western Australia 6-119 (53)
Josh Inglis 45 (94), Cameron Bancroft 42* (151), Joel Paris 6* (30)
Fergus O’Neill 3-30 (13), Todd Murphy 2-12 (9), Mitchell Perry 1-22 (13)

Western Australia leads by 219 runs.

QUEENSLAND vs. NEW SOUTH WALES
Allan Border Field, Brisbane

Stumps, Day Two

New South Wales won the toss & elected to bowl.

1st Innings: Queensland 10-144 (48.1)
Xavier Bartlett 70 (75), Max Bryant 33 (57), Jack Wildermuth 24 (50)
Chris Tremain 6-20 (15.1), Jack Edwards 2-37 (9), Jack Nisbet 1-26 (10)

2nd Innings: New South Wales 5-222 (67)
Oliver Davies 79* (83), Sam Konstas 57 (110), Matthew Gilkes 35 (91)
Callum Vidler 2-50 (12), Mitch Swepson 2-73 (21), Xavier Bartlett 1-29 (10)

New South Wales leads by 78 runs.