Victoria have won their way into a second successive Sheffield Shield final after wrapping up an impressive seven-wicket win over Western Australia during the day four morning session at the WACA.
Needing just 61 runs for victory after bowling out WA late on day three, Victoria were made to work for over 90 minutes before reaching 3-64.
Travis Dean went for a duck in the third over with the Vics scoring at barely a run an over for the first half an hour.
Ashley Chandrasinghe was eventually dismissed after a laborious 49-ball innings that yielded just two runs.
Test opener Marcus Harris scored the bulk of the early runs only for Cameron Gannon to take his wicket for 29, leaving the score at 3-32.
Matt Short, however, took charge with 23 not out from 20 balls, while Campbell Kellaway was also unbeaten on nine.
Campbell Kellaway of Victoria. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
The result sees Victoria leapfrog second-placed Queensland and set up a repeat of last year’s season decider against holders Western Australia.
WA were without a number of players for the final-round fixture against the Vics.
The heavy-scoring Western Australians were bowled out for 122 and 236, with Victoria posting 298.
Returning Test fast bowler Scott Boland led the way with eight wickets.
The five-day final will commence next Thursday at the WACA.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I'm pretty sure a South Aussie would've said that first
Rellum
Roar Guru
Bleeping fing Victoria. Why did you bowl first Jimmy?
Redcap
Roar Guru
I never thought I'd say this: Go Victoria! Back in the day when I was working in federal financial policy, we had a saying: ' you can always tell a Victorian, but you can't tell them much.' :stoked:
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Doc it should be the game of the season can’t wait mate, best of luck :thumbup:
Chanon
Roar Rookie
No chance Boland is The Royal flush :stoked:
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
I'll see your Boland and I'll raise you a Morris , a Kelly and a Paris.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
The Boland led Vics will crush WA in final should be a ripper game but l’m afraid the WA batsman will have sleepless nights leading up to the big finale. :stoked:
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I hope Murphy, Morris, Boland and Agar, remember him, all get a few.
Shire
Roar Rookie
Needs to be around the team, mate. Absorb the culture.
Brian
Guest
WA will get Morris & Paris but Victoria will add Handscomb & Murphy as well. I don't know why a guy like Inglis is better off carrying drinks in the ODI team instead of playing the Shield Final.
Damo
Guest
Not really a shock given how many players WA rested. Be interesting to see if WA bring Morris straight back in for the final given he's been doing nothing except run drinks since December.