Cricket is a funny game. Until the final run is scored or the last wicket is taken, nothing can be ruled out.
Any match which goes down right down to the wire is always a treat to watch. Fans love these kind of games which is an edge of seat stuff. Both the teams giving away their everything to outdo each other as instincts take over their respective skills.
This match is one such game which was a mix of pulsating stuff and never ending drama.
Match – South Australia vs Western Australia ( Sheffield Shield tournament)
Venue – WACA (Perth)
Sheffield Shield tournament is the national cricket tournament of Australia. It is contested between different states of Australia. The performing players in this tournament are rewarded with a chance to represent Australia at international level.
This game between South Australia and Western Australia was held at WACA in Perth from 25 Feb to 1 March.
The captain of South Australia Travis Head won the toss and elected to bat first. He hit a double century as S. Australia pummeled 510-8 dec.
In reply, Cameron Green and Cameron Bancroft hit centuries as their team declared at the score of 409-5, thereby conceding a lead of 101 runs.
South Australia crumbled in the second innings and could score only 230-9 declared. It gave a target of 332 runs to the Western Australia in 75 overs.
A win was difficult in this much time so W.A went for a draw.
The Drama
At 88-3 in around 29 overs, they were looking good for a draw. However, things began to take turn at this score. Western Australia lost two wickets in two overs as the pressure began to mount on W. Australia. Shaun Marsh and Hilton cartwright then added 27 runs for the sixth wicket before Marsh was dismissed. The incoming 3 batsmen were dismissed within a span of 20 runs as W.A were left reeling at 143-9 with 4 overs to go for a draw.
With just one wicket to go and 23 deliveries still remaining, Southern Australia looked favorites to win the game.
Liam O’ Connor the number 11 batsman came to support Cameron Gannon for a draw. The interesting part about Liam is that he is yet to score a single run in his first class career. It was he in the last over facing the most successful opposition bowler Chadd Sayers. However, he safely negotiated each of the final ball to secure a draw.
When everyone thought that the match would finish in a victory of South Australia, the last pair of Western Australia made sure none of that happened.
Just the drama which the final moments of the game brought, was a treat to watch and certainly, not for the faint hearted!
Watch the final over of this epic brawl here!
One ball remaining. One wicket needed. No.11 on strike
Gotta love #SheffieldShield cricket 😊 pic.twitter.com/8HgC2xYPf4
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 28, 2021
