The Queensland Bulls secured their place in the Sheffield Shield final after playing to a tense draw with South Australia on March 18, 2025. The match unfolded at Karen Rolton Oval, where both teams could not achieve victory, yet the Bulls emerged with the required points to qualify for the championship match against the same opponents.
During the game, South Australia began powerfully, posting 614 for 7 declared in their first innings. The Bulls, needing to avoid loss, were bowled out for 370 but managed to hold South Australia to 252 for 5 in their second innings. By the end of day four, neither side had significantly tilted the match toward victory, and both captains, Nathan McSweeney for South Australia and Marnus Labuschagne for Queensland, shared handshakes, concluding the contest.
The condition of the draw became increasingly favorable for Queensland as they watched the outcomes of concurrent matches. They needed New South Wales to fail against Tasmania—who had set them up with a massive target of 529 to chase—and Western Australia to not snatch their spot with 382 runs from Victoria. Fortunately for the Bulls, neither of these scenarios materialized, solidifying their postseason prospects.
Queensland's hopes were buoyed by stellar performances from key players. Jason Sangha, batting for South Australia, made headlines with his impressive cost of 103 runs, marking his fifth first-class century. Sangha scored freely, driving the ball for six over the cover boundary, showcasing his impressive form as he obliterated another Test bowler, Mitch Swepson, with multiple boundaries throughout his innings.
Marnus Labuschagne rose to the occasion himself, proving instrumental for Queensland. The team captain not only bowled effectively, taking 2 for 34, but he also maintained composure amid intense pressure. He wrapped up the match as the leading wicket-taker, closing with match figures of 4 for 107. Implicitly, Labuschagne's leadership was pivotal; he emphasized, "We gained a lot from knowing even with our top four missing out, we still made 370, and guys stepped up to get us home." Such insights demonstrate both the resolve and character within the squad.
Contributing alongside Labuschagne were Alex Carey with 56 runs and Jimmy Peirson, who had made 128 runs previously. Peirson’s and Jack Wildermuth’s centuries on the last day ensured Queensland secured maximum bonus points from their batting innings: 370 runs produced quite the safety net under hectic circumstances.
Looking back at the season, the Bulls had to navigate challenges, with consistent star players absent. Reflecting on their performance, Labuschagne noted, “To be in the position we’re in now after five games with no wins, and being able to pull in three wins in the last five games, and one draw, that's really impressive.” This sentiment encapsulates the sheer determination displayed by the Bulls throughout the league.
Now, the Queensland Bulls face South Australia yet again, preparing for the final scheduled for March 26, where they will seek to claim their first Shield title since defeating New South Wales two seasons ago. The upcoming rematch brings with it not only the thrill of competition but the opportunity for retribution against formidable table-toppers South Australia, who have dominated the competition throughout the season.
Thirty years ago, the Bulls secured their first title against the same opposition; this historical echo resonates with supporters as they envision another potential victory under the weight of expectation. Labuschagne’s squad is poised with experience, intensity, and determination, showing they are ready to challenge South Australia for the trophy.
