December 9, 2024

South Australia Secure Dramatic Final-Ball Victory Over Tasmania

South Australia pulled off a dramatic two-run victory over Tasmania on the final ball of their Sheffield Shield clash, marking one of the most thrilling finishes in the competition’s 132-year history. In Hobart, Tasmania needed four runs from the last ball to chase down a target of 429 for an extraordinary win. Riley Meredith struck the ball to deep cover, where Ben Manenti fielded it cleanly. However, Meredith, seemingly unaware that a draw was still possible, attempted a second run but was run out after his batting partner, Lawrence Neil-Smith, sent him back.

This final-ball wicket handed South Australia a victory that tied for the closest-ever Shield win by runs. The match, which stretched past 6 p.m. on the final day, saw Tasmania’s promising position collapse in dramatic fashion, losing four wickets for just four runs in the final nine balls. The win catapulted South Australia to the top of the table, while Tasmania found themselves at the bottom.

Tim Ward’s brilliant 142 had put Tasmania in a commanding position, seemingly beyond losing, but Mitch Owen and Brad Hope fought back with a blistering partnership on Monday. Owen smashed 53 from 39 balls, and Hope contributed 69 as they added 72 runs in just 10 overs. Though Hope was caught on the boundary trying to hook Wes Agar, Owen’s firepower kept Tasmania’s hopes alive. At one point, Tasmania needed 62 from nine overs, then 44 from six, and finally seven from the last six balls after Owen launched Nathan McAndrew for a huge six. However, Owen’s dismissal on the long-on boundary and Matt Kuhnemann’s first-ball exit shifted the momentum. With seven required from the final over, Gabe Bell was bowled out for a duck, setting the stage for the unforgettable last-ball drama.

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Drama Unfolds as Ward’s Century Sparks Controversial Stumping Incident

 The early stages of the day were filled with drama, highlighted by Tim Ward’s century, his first since his maiden Shield ton in October 2021. Ward’s knock, which included 16 boundaries, was a key factor in Tasmania’s chase. He brought up his century with a stunning cover drive off Wes Agar. Alongside Jake Weatherald and Jordan Silk, who each made 65, Ward’s efforts had Tasmania charging forward. However, he became part of one of the game’s more bizarre moments during the middle session. As Tasmania’s chase gained momentum, South Australia resorted to short-ball tactics in an attempt to disrupt their rhythm.

Ward ducked a bouncer from Henry Thornton, then scratched out his guard and walked out of his crease, leading to a moment eerily reminiscent of Jonny Bairstow’s stumping at Lord’s in 2023. South Australia’s wicketkeeper, Harry Nielsen, seized the opportunity and threw down the stumps in a similar fashion to Alex Carey last year. However, the appeal was denied, with the umpires ruling that the over had been called before the stumping attempt. This controversial incident added another layer of drama to an already tense match.

Maharaj Seals 2-0 Win, Sends South Africa to Top of WTC

South Africa moved to the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) table after a commanding 109-run victory over Sri Lanka at St George’s Park, completing a 2-0 series sweep. On the final morning, Sri Lanka, who had resumed play on 202 for 5, were bowled out for 238 in just 69 minutes, with the second new ball still 10.5 overs away. The collapse was sudden and dramatic, as Sri Lanka lost five wickets for just 19 runs in 62 balls. Keshav Maharaj was the chief architect, taking four of the final five wickets to complete his tenth Test five-wicket haul, and his fourth at St George’s Park.

Sri Lanka had been in a relatively strong position overnight, with Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva’s sixth-wicket partnership worth 83 runs. Both batters had looked comfortable, handling a South African attack that had admitted to searching too hard on the fourth day. However, on the final morning, their promising position quickly unraveled. Maharaj’s clinical performance, along with the collapse of Sri Lanka’s lower order, sealed a decisive win for South Africa, who now sit at the top of the WTC standings.

South Africa Clinches Series Win, Nears WTC Final Spot

On the final morning, South Africa returned with renewed energy, and Kagiso Rabada, still firing up with pace, found some movement in the easterly breeze. Keshav Maharaj struck first, breaking the crucial Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva partnership in the seventh over. Maharaj’s delivery turned away from Kusal as he drove, and Aiden Markram took a low catch. The third umpire confirmed the dismissal after checking the catch. Just 14 balls later, Rabada’s accuracy paid off as he dismissed Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya. Dhananjaya edged a ball that swung away and was caught behind.

With Sri Lanka’s tail exposed, it was only a matter of time before they were bowled out. Prabath Jayasuriya attempted a big shot off a short ball from Maharaj but was caught by Temba Bavuma at extra cover. Sri Lanka reached the drinks break but soon lost Vishwa Fernando, who was caught by Marco Jansen at mid-on after an aerial slog. Jansen then removed Lahiru Kumara with a short delivery, caught by Ryan Rickelton at short mid-wicket. South Africa’s win secured their series victory, bringing them within one win of a guaranteed spot in next year’s World Test Championship final. Sri Lanka remains in the hunt but must beat Australia at home and hope for favorable results elsewhere.

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