South Australia vs Queensland Sheffield Shield final live scores, stats and commentary day two in 2025.
South Australia vs Queensland Sheffield Shield Final: Day Two Live Scores, Stats, and Commentary.
Table of Contents
The Sheffield Shield final between South Australia and Queensland has reached an exhilarating climax as both teams fight for the prestigious trophy. Day two of the final saw intense action at the Adelaide Oval, with plenty of drama, excellent individual performances, and shifting momentum as the match unfolded. Both teams came into the final with a sense of purpose, determined to lift the coveted title, but only one could emerge victorious.
After a thrilling Day 1, which saw Queensland gaining an early advantage, Day 2 brought a renewed level of intensity. The Adelaide Oval played host to a battle of skills, strategy, and grit as both sides fought for dominance. With an air of anticipation in the crowd and both teams having everything to play for, the action on Day 2 was nothing short of captivating. Let’s break down the day’s play, focusing on key moments, performances, and statistics that have defined this intriguing contest.
Day Two Recap: The Story So Far
First Innings: Queensland’s Early Dominance
Queensland, having won the toss on Day 1, decided to bat first on a pitch that offered a balanced challenge for the batsmen. They set off with a steady start, with openers Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja ensuring there were no early hiccups. By the close of play on Day 1, Queensland had posted a solid total of 280/5, with Khawaja and Alex Carey holding fort.
Day 2 saw Queensland looking to press on and put up a commanding total. However, South Australia was determined to make inroads quickly, and the session started with some key matchups. Queensland’s middle order, particularly Marnus Labuschagne, was the target for the South Australian bowlers.
South Australia’s Bowling Attack: An Early Breakthrough
South Australia came into Day 2 with one goal: to break the partnership between Carey and Labuschagne and get rid of the dangerous Queensland middle order. Their fast bowlers, led by Chad Sayers, were looking to exploit any movement off the pitch and push for breakthroughs.
Chad Sayers was the standout bowler for South Australia on Day 2, as he consistently challenged Queensland’s batsmen. In the first session, Sayers managed to remove Alex Carey and Marnus Labuschagne in quick succession. Carey’s dismissal was especially important, as he had been looking dangerous and steady at the crease, anchoring the Queensland innings. His departure came after he was caught behind off a brilliant delivery from Sayers, leaving Queensland at 296/7.
Labuschagne, who had been solid throughout his innings, fell to a short-pitched delivery that he failed to pull effectively, edging the ball straight to the waiting hands of Travis Head at gully. Labuschagne’s wicket was a huge moment, as he had the potential to continue pushing Queensland’s score into a commanding position.
With Queensland now 296/7, the South Australian bowlers felt they had a grip on the game. However, the lower order of Queensland, particularly Mark Steketee and James Bazley, had shown resilience in previous matches and they were looking to fight back.
Queensland’s Lower Order: Defying South Australia’s Pressure
Despite the top-order collapse, Queensland’s lower-order batting came to the fore. Mark Steketee and James Bazley put up a dogged resistance, playing some gritty cricket. Steketee was particularly impressive, leaving the ball well and playing some neat drives when the opportunity arose. Bazley, too, dug in, providing crucial support as the pair added a vital 50-run partnership.
The South Australian bowlers continued to apply pressure, but the Queensland tailenders were determined not to let the opposition off the hook. Steketee was dismissed for a well-played 28, but his innings had given Queensland a much-needed boost. Bazley, meanwhile, continued to hold the fort, and with Queensland’s score inching closer to the 350-mark, it became clear that South Australia would need to be clinical in their bowling if they wanted to limit Queensland’s total.
Lunch Break: Queensland 334/9
By the time lunch was called, Queensland had managed to push their score to 334/9, thanks to the stubborn resistance of the lower order. South Australia, however, would have been content with their morning session, as they had broken through the Queensland top order and removed key players like Khawaja, Carey, and Labuschagne.
While Queensland’s score was competitive, South Australia knew that they needed to make the most of the afternoon session to dismiss Queensland cheaply and then mount a strong response with the bat in the second innings.
Afternoon Session: South Australia’s Response
As the afternoon session began, the focus shifted to South Australia’s batting lineup. Henry Hunt and Jake Weatherald opened the batting for South Australia and faced an uphill task against a quality Queensland bowling attack. Mark Steketee, James Bazley, and Michael Neser were tasked with getting early wickets, and Queensland’s bowlers were hoping to dismiss the South Australian openers cheaply and put pressure on the middle order.
The early overs were key. Hunt and Weatherald began confidently, playing some solid defensive shots. Neser’s pace and bounce caused a few nervy moments, but both batsmen held firm. It wasn’t until the 13th over that Queensland struck, with Jake Weatherald caught behind off Neser for 22. Weatherald’s departure gave Queensland an early breakthrough, and they were now looking for more.
Travis Head, the South Australian captain, came to the crease with the responsibility to lead from the front. Head’s form has been a key talking point throughout the competition, and he started cautiously, aware of the importance of building a partnership with Henry Hunt. The pair settled into a patient approach, taking minimal risks and rotating the strike well.
Henry Hunt was showing signs of playing a long innings. His shot selection was immaculate, playing late, and with the utmost confidence. Hunt’s steady batting laid the foundation for a solid partnership with Head. Their partnership reached 50 runs before Queensland struck again. Mark Steketee, after a long spell, finally breached Head’s defense, dismissing the South Australian captain for 35.
Late Afternoon Drama: South Australia’s Fightback
As the sun began to set over Adelaide, South Australia found themselves at 120/3, with Hunt and Callum Ferguson at the crease. Queensland, knowing that one more wicket would have them in the driver’s seat, kept the pressure on. Ferguson, the experienced veteran, took his time, ensuring that the South Australian innings did not fall apart. However, Hunt continued to dominate, maintaining his focus and building a solid foundation.
By the close of the second day’s play, South Australia had reached 145/3, with Hunt not out on 60 and Ferguson at 15. The match was finely poised, with both teams fighting hard for control.
Key Moments of Day Two
- Chad Sayers’ Bowls a Brilliant Spell: The South Australian pacer was the standout performer of the day. He finished with 4 wickets for 72 runs, including the key scalps of Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne, and Usman Khawaja. His efforts were crucial in restricting Queensland’s total.
- Resilience of Queensland’s Lower Order: Despite the top-order collapse, Queensland’s tailenders showed remarkable resistance, with Bazley and Steketee adding important runs to help their team reach 334.
- Henry Hunt’s Calmness: The South Australian opener played with great maturity and confidence. His unflappable approach has set the stage for a strong second innings for South Australia, and he will play a critical role in his team’s quest to chase down Queensland’s total.
Looking Ahead to Day Three
As the match moves into Day 3, South Australia will look to consolidate their position and try to get past Queensland’s total. The match is finely poised, and both teams know that the next session could decide the fate of this high-stakes final.
For Queensland, it’s all about getting that breakthrough early. If they can dismiss Hunt early, they may have a chance to exert further pressure on the South Australian middle order. On the other hand, South Australia will be hoping that Hunt and the rest of the batsmen can build a significant partnership and put themselves in a position to chase down the Queensland total.
With everything to play for, Day 3 promises to be a thrilling continuation of this exciting Sheffield Shield final.
Stay tuned for further live updates and in-depth commentary as this epic final unfolds!
