Back from the brink: Shield dream still alive after stunning twist as finals race broken down

Queensland’s Sheffield Shield dream is still alive after Brisbane’s miserable weather helped the Bulls salvage an undeserving draw in their low-scoring contest against Western Australia at Allan Border Field.

The hosts were seemingly on the verge of a heavy defeat after slipping to 6-43 at stumps on day three, chasing a 267-run target for an unlikely victory. However, only four overs were possible on day four due to heavy downpour, denying the West Australians what appeared to be a comfortable win.

Earlier on Saturday, the visitors were bowled out for 229 after Queensland captain Marnus Labuschagne claimed four wickets during a frantic collapse of 10-92.

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Having dodged a bullet, Queensland still has a chance of qualifying for the Sheffield Shield final ahead of the final round, although they will be relying on the outcome of Victoria’s upcoming match against reigning champions South Australia in Melbourne.

South Australia, currently second on the standings, defeated New South Wales by nine wickets in Adelaide last week, while leaders Victoria toppled Tasmania in Hobart, meaning the Blues and Tigers can’t progress to the season final.

Therefore, there’s a looming two-way battle between South Australia and Queensland, last year’s finalists, for a chance to play in the decider, which Victoria has already secured hosting rights for having won seven of their nine matches.

South Australia has 42.16 points compared to Queensland’s 36.38, but the Bulls could leapfrog the defending champions if they snatch a bonus-point victory over Tasmania at Bellerive Oval next week.

Meanwhile, Victoria’s match against South Australia at Junction Oval shapes as a potential preview of the Sheffield Shield final, with the two states likely to face off again at the same venue the following week.

SHEFFIELD SHIELD LADDER

1st - Victoria, 57.98 points

2nd - South Australia, 42.16 points

3rd - Queensland, 36.38 points

4th - New South Wales, 29.52 points

5th - Tasmania, 29.23 points

6th - Western Australia, 19.29 points

SHEFFIELD SHIELD FIXTURES

March 14-17 - Victoria vs South Australia, Junction Oval

March 14-17 - Tasmania vs Queensland, Bellerive Oval

March 14-17 - New South Wales vs Western Australia, Cricket Central

March 26-30 - Final: Victoria vs TBC, Junction Oval

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