In a staggering display of bowling prowess, South Australia decimated Queensland in the first day of the Sheffield Shield final on March 26, 2025, at Karen Rolton Oval, bowing out Queensland for just 95 runs. This historic low marked the smallest first innings in any Sheffield Shield final, surpassing the previous record held by Queensland themselves at 102 against New South Wales in 2004/05.
The South Australian bowlers, led by Brendan Doggett, delivered a performance that sent shockwaves through the Queensland lineup. Doggett, a former Queenslander, captured six wickets for just 31 runs, solidifying his reputation in the competition. His key contribution justified captain Nathan McSweeney's unexpected choice to bowl first after winning the toss. "It was a surprise on paper, but we knew our bowlers could do the job," said McSweeney after the match.
Early in the innings, Queensland's chances were severely compromised. Superstars Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, both mainstays of the Test squad, crumbled under pressure, with Khawaja managing only 2 runs after being dropped twice in the slips during his short innings. Labuschagne fared worse; he was dismissed for a duck, unable to capitalize on an earlier lifeline when the ball rolled back onto the stumps but did not dislodge the bails.
Queensland's troubles escalated quickly. Five top-order wickets fell within a devastating seven-run span, showcasing a batting collapse that was as shocking as it was swift. Jack Clayton was run out for a golden duck while attempting a defensive push, leaving his team in dire straits at 22 runs for the loss of five wickets.
The bowlers did not stop there, as all-rounder Michael Neser stood as a beacon of hope, scoring 34 runs off 37 balls, briefly stabilizing the innings with a partnership of 46 runs alongside wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson (13). However, Doggett returned to shatter any hopes of a revival, ultimately dismantling the lower order.
With South Australia reaching 4-65 by the end of the day, they looked set to capitalize on their remarkable start. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, McSweeney’s faith in his bowling lineup had evidently paid off, much to the delight of South Australian supporters.
Reflecting on the day's performances, McSweeney remarked, "It's a massive lift for us, but we know there is still a long way to go in this match." Meanwhile, McSweeney's historical ties with Queensland’s Labuschagne did not deter the competitive spirit. "There’s going to be no friendly chat when we’re out on the field. It’s game time, and we're here to win," he stated resolutely.
The match has taken on added significance as South Australia not only aims for their first Shield win since 1995/96 but also pursues an unprecedented double, having claimed the one-day competition earlier in March by defeating Victoria.
Queensland’s coaching staff and supporters are left to ponder how their team can regroup as they head into the following days of play. Without question, Queensland’s batting lineup will need to rally, as they have now set a daunting target for any chance of recovery.
McSweeney lauded Doggett, whose six-wicket haul marks his second such performance in a Sheffield Shield final, emphasizing that this level of bowling was no surprise given the preparations leading up to the final. "Brendan's focus and intensity have been extraordinary this season. He brought that fire to the final, and we couldn’t have asked for more from him on this stage," he stated proudly.
As the competition unfolds in the upcoming days, the cricket world watches closely to see if South Australia can maintain their momentum and if Queensland can recover from what has been one of the most humiliating innings in Shield history.
Lasting friendships and respectful rivalries will remain in focus, particularly between McSweeney and Labuschagne, who undoubtedly have each other's game strategies in mind as they headline this pivotal match under the spotlight of Australian cricket.
With a fierce determination to succeed, we can expect the intensity to rise steadily as both teams battle for supremacy in what promises to be an extraordinary final.
