New South Wales on top despite Christian's five

Victoria 251 and 3 for 20 need another 249 runs to beat New South Wales 341 and 178 (Copeland 47, Christian 5-40, Holland 3-48)
Scorecard

Daniel Christian picked up 5 for 40 © Getty Images

New South Wales were well poised to secure a place against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield final after dismantling Victoria’s top order late on the third day in Alice Springs. Chasing 249 for victory, which would put them in the decider instead of the Blues, the Bushrangers closed the day wobbling at 3 for 20, with Marcus Stoinis on 13, Matthew Wade on 1, and a further 249 runs needed.

The day had started with Victoria 8 for 239 in their first innings and they added just 12 more for the loss of their last two wickets. New South Wales started shakily in their second innings and were 2 for 8 in the fifth over, but captain Nic Maddinson (40) helped to steady the effort before Ryan Carters (39) and Trent Copeland (47) added some important later runs.

Daniel Christian picked up 5 for 40 for Victoria and Jon Holland collected 3 for 48 as the Bushrangers dismissed the Blues for 178 to give themselves a realistic hope of victory. However, Copeland removed both of Victoria’s openers in his first two overs and Sean Abbott also picked up a wicket before stumps to leave New South Wales on top.

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Source: ESPN Crickinfo

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