Boland strikes again, Victoria closing on Finals berth

A strong batting performance from Victoria has all but ensured they’ll play Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield finals.

After bowling out The Warriors inside 100 overs, earning 1 bonus point in the process (0.1 points per wicket in the first 100 overs), the Vics posted 298 from 92 overs, earning another 0.98 bonus points (0.01 points per run over 200, in the first 100 overs).

Coming into the final match, Victoria sat behind The Queensland Bulls by 0.36 points, needing to just equal Victoria’s performance to meet Western Australia in the final.

The Bulls failed to bowl out Tasmania, earning just 0.6 bonus points (taking 6 wickets in Tasmania’s first 100 overs), and are struggling in their first batting innings, at 6/180 off 50 overs. It’s possible the Banana Benders may not get any bonus points.

Scott Boland continued on his first innings form, taking two quick wickets for Victoria – including his second just six minutes before stumps.

 

MASSIVE! Scott Boland removes Cam Bancroft a few minutes before Stumps!#SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/NHg0mJ1KK1

— Victorian Cricket Team (@VicStateCricket) March 15, 2023

Western Australia is 3/88, still 88 runs behind Victoria’s first-innings lead.

Either Victoria or Queensland will take on Western Australia at the WACA Ground in the Sheffield Shield Final on the 23rd. 

 

 

 Lui Zacher – Twitter: @Lui_Zacher

Image: Victorian Cricket Team Twitter