Queensland's batsmen faced a brutal reality on March 26, 2025, crumbling to just 95 all out in an abysmal performance against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield final, held at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide. The day started brightly for South Australia, who opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that proved wise as they skittled Queensland for their lowest total in any Shield final.
The innings sank spectacularly when Queensland lost five top-order wickets for just seven runs in a dramatic turn of events, plunging into chaos early in the match. South Australia’s Brendan Doggett emerged as the standout performer, taking 6 wickets for 31 runs, thoroughly dismantling the Queensland batting lineup. This performance not only crushed Queensland's spirits but also positioned South Australia on the brink of a coveted title.
Opening batsman Usman Khawaja's struggles were symbolic of Queensland’s wider troubles. Having been under scrutiny following recent performances, Khawaja was dismissed for a mere two runs after being let off twice—first by Nathan McAndrew and again by Jake Lehmann—both failing to hold onto catchable balls. His reluctance to engage with South Australia’s new ball bowlers became evident when he mis-timed a pull shot, resulting in a catch at the fine-leg boundary.
Unfortunately for the Bulls, Khawaja was just the first of many failures. Team captain Marnus Labuschagne followed shortly after, dismissed for a duck, caught at leg slip by Lehmann. This left Queensland reeling at 16-2 within just 11 overs. Jack Clayton’s dismissal added further despair; he managed only a run-less outing, run out by Liam Scott, effectively leaving Queensland at 5-22.
Despite a valiant but brief resistance from Michael Neser, who scored a brisk 34 off 37 balls, and Jimmy Peirson, who managed 13 runs from 48 balls, Queensland’s batting ineptitude was too much to overcome. The final five wickets fell in quick succession after lunch, with Doggett claiming most of them, including Neser and Peirson, effectively sending Queensland packing.
Queensland’s dismal innings set a new record for the smallest first innings total in any Sheffield Shield final, surpassing the previous low of 102 against New South Wales in the 2004/05 season. Meanwhile, South Australia, with their sensitive past, now quests for their first Shield title in nearly 30 years, having last secured victory during the 1995/96 season.
At tea, South Australia stood at 2 wickets for 39 runs in reply, showing solid defensive play against Queensland’s 19-year-old quick, Callum Vidler. Vidler impressed by removing both Henry Hunt and McSweeney for ducks, giving a glimmer of hope for Queensland as they looked to build a fightback. His figures of 2-6 after six overs showcased his potential on such a significant stage.
Doggett wasn’t just physically dominating; his strategic bowling ensured that Queensland’s top order never settled into a rhythm. The former Queensland paceman's history with the Bulls added a layer of psychological warfare, as he delivered a performance that fans will recall for ages amidst the fierce competition.
In the grand scheme, South Australia is on the verge of an unprecedented double, having already secured victory in the 50-over competition—defeating Victoria on March 1, 2025—setting their sights on glory in both formats of the game this season.
The rapid succession of wickets throughout the innings revealed the frailty in Queensland’s batting line-up, as they failed to cope with the pressure of a final match. The harsh assessment of their lineup and tactics is exacerbated by the absence of star batsman Matthew Renshaw, who unfortunately stayed back in Brisbane for the birth of his child.
Heading into day two, South Australia remains well-positioned to clinch their first Sheffield Shield title since 1996, while Queensland faces the daunting challenge of restructuring their approach and confidence in the presence of such adversity. With so much at stake, the final day of the shield promises to be a defining moment in Australian cricket history.
