Redbacks Win the Sheffield Shield Final for the First Time in 29 Years

The South Australian Redbacks completed the highest successful run chase in a Sheffield Shield Final to defeat the Queensland Bulls.

The Redbacks bowled the Bulls out for 95 runs in the first innings, but the Bulls recovered in the second innings and scored 445 runs, to set a lead of 270 runs.

The Redbacks fell to 3-28 in the 15th over, but a 202-run partnership between Jason Sangha and Alex Carey ensured victory for the Redbacks.

The Redbacks lost another 3 wickets for only 30 runs as Sangha struggled with cramps after batting for five hours. However, with one run needed to win, Sangha hit a four through mid-wicket to win the Sheffield Shield Final for the first time in 29 years.

Photo: Matt Turner

Redbacks fast bowler, Brendan Doggett, won the Man of the Match as he bowled 11 wickets throughout the two innings. Doggett got the key wicket of Usman Khawaja, in both innings as he bowled an uncomfortable short length that Khawaja struggled with. Doggett also set up Bulls batsman, Ben McDermott and Jimmy Peirson with outswingers on a 4th and 5th stump line before bowling straighter inswingers that got both out lbw.

The Redbacks bowlers struggled on day 2 as they bowled a wider line and did not consistently challenge the stumps, which allowed the Bulls to score 445 runs. Bulls batsmen Jack Clayton and Jack Wildermuth both scored centuries in the second innings.

Darren Lehmann (on right) holding the Sheffield Shield that the Redbacks won 29 years ago, holding his son and future Redback, Jake Lehmann (Photo: SACA)

Redbacks batsman, Jake Lehmann, scored 102 runs in the first innings and was supported by a 47 run contribution from all-rounder, Ben Maneti.

Redbacks coach Ryan Harris said that their Sheffield Shield finals win “is not just a once off thing… we’ll keep winning trophies.”