With South Australia Men firmly entrenched in the One-Day Cup final ahead of the penultimate minor round, attention naturally turns to who they might meet to determine which state lifts the Dean Jones Trophy for the first time.
The final group match of the One-Day domestic summer is scheduled for Sunday, SA will battle Tasmania while waiting to learn whether New South Wales, Queensland or Victoria has qualified to face them in the decider on March 1.
Here’s everything you need to know about SA’s possible opponents:
NEW SOUTH WALES: 2nd - 3 wins - 16 points
The Blues are one point clear of the other contenders in second position, meaning a solid win will guarantee them the date with South Australia.
They’ve done it on the back of strong batting numbers, particularly from Josh Philippe and Matthew Gilkes, who both sit inside the competition’s top four run scorers for the year.
And wunderkind Sam Konstas underlined his class in the previous round with a flawless 116 against Queensland.
The Blues are blessed with a steady attack led by aggressive paceman Jack Nisbet, who has six wickets for the season.
QUEENSLAND: 3rd - 3 wins - 15 points
The Bulls face bottom placed WA in the final round and will be desperate for a win and a bonus point to leapfrog NSW into second spot.
Like NSW, Queensland’s batters have intimidated opposition attacks all summer. Left hander Matthew Renshaw is the competition’s highest run scorer, leading his team to totals of 300 or more in three innings this summer.
And Lachy Hearne placed everyone on notice last week with a blazing maiden One-Day century, scored from just 86 balls.
With the ball, leg spinner Mitch Swepson has been Queensland’s most destructive asset, claiming 10 scalps for the summer.
Perth-born left-arm paceman Liam Guthrie has also been a regular threat.
The Bulls hold the upper hand on SA after comfortably accounting for Nathan McSweeney’s men at Allan Border Field in October. Keeper Jimmy Pierson led Queensland to a nine wicket win with an even hundred.
VICTORIA: 4th - 3 wins - 13 points
The Victorians’ equation is simple, win and win big.
They’ll meet NSW on Sunday, and even with a bonus point victory, could still fall short if Queensland account for WA.
The Vics’ best cricket, most notably a powerful victory over Tasmania in their season opener, is awe-striking.
But equally they’ve been on the end of some healthy losses, including a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of SA at Karen Rolton Oval in November.
Victoria’s bowling has been a standout, with four members of their attack amongst the competition’s top ten for wickets.
Sam Elliott has been their most potent threat with 13 victims, headlined by a stunning 7/12 in that victory over Tasmania to record his state’s best ever bowling figures.
NSW, Queensland and Victoria have it all play for. The only certainty is the men in red, blue and yellow will be ready for whoever survives the weekend.