South Australia have chased a record total to win the 2024/25 Sheffield Shield, breaking a 29-year title drought.
A mid-wicket flick from the bat of Jason Sangha that will forever live in the history of South Australian cricket has secured the state’s first Sheffield Shield in 29 years.
Set a record chase of 270, the hosts found themselves in early trouble, before a stand of 202 between Jason Sangha (126*) and Alex Carey (105) guided their state within touching distance of the elusive Shield.
Celebrations immediately commenced upon the final shot, with the passionate South Australian fans pouring onto the wicket, bringing to mind the wild celebrations at Adelaide Oval almost 3 decades prior.
Brendan Doggett was announced as Player of the Match for taking the best ever match figures in a Shield Final, a match defining 11-140.
The day didn’t always belong to the South Australian’s, with 3 early wickets putting the hosts on the back foot.
However, mirroring the efforts of the Queenslanders in their second innings, South Australia fought back hard with a massive partnership in the middle order, taking a toll on fatigued bowlers and a flattening batting track.
Chaos engulfed the cricket as the third session begun, with every run being cheered as loud as a milestone.
Aggressive running and inventive stroke play played under the watchful eyes of a loving mural to David Hookes, made sure the result was a foregone conclusion.
Nathan McSweeney becomes the first captain since Jamie Siddons to lead South Australia to a Shield victory, ensuring that the prestigious prize returns to Adelaide Oval.
The 4-day match hosted at an upgraded Karen Rolton Oval, was a rollercoaster for the two sides.
Earlier in the match, Queensland had been bowled out for a record low total of 95, before fighting back in their second innings to set South Australia an imposing 270 runs.
The bowling cartel of the hosts showed heart on a pitch that favoured batters, with their fight keeping the team, and the crowd, alive in a drying contest.
Doggett’s record-breaking bowling performance was well supported by Nathan McAndrew, Jordan Buckingham, Liam Scott, and Ben Manenti.
Jake Lehmann was the early hero with the bat for the hosts, with his century ensuring a healthy lead.
South Australia now holds both the One Day Cup and the Sheffield Shield, becoming only the 12th team to achieve the double-up in the same season.