Tasmania is on track for their first Sheffield Shield final in six years after beating Victoria by 57 runs in Hobart. They’re now likely to host the final after securing their fifth win of the season on the last day. Gabe Bell and Iain Carlisle played crucial roles, with Bell taking the wicket of Victoria’s captain, and Carlisle finishing off the match. Beau Webster’s outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 167, was a highlight. If Tasmania wins their final regular-season match against South Australia, they’ll host the final, and even a draw might be enough to qualify.
It’s massive for our state, and as a playing group. We’re still quite young,” Webster said. “It’s been a good year. Hoping to win against South Australia and hopefully get to host a Shield final, which would be massive for us and the state.
Victoria has a chance to reach the final if they win against Western Australia, the current champions, in their upcoming match at the Junction Oval starting next Monday. Unfortunately, they will be without Will Pucovski, who suffered his 12th concussion on Sunday when he was hit on the helmet. Campbell Kellaway replaced him in the match.
He’s in good spirits,” Sutherland said of Pucovski. “I spoke to him and he seems alright. He’s headed home already, but hopefully he can look after himself and be back playing as soon as possible.
