Honours finish even in Shield cliffhanger

Tasmania came within a wicket of inflicting Victoria's first Sheffield Shield defeat of the season on a dramatic night in Hobart, with rain ultimately coming to the visitors' aid with fewer than five overs remaining in an absorbing clash.  

Test bowler Jackson Bird has re-stated his value leading into Australia's series against Pakistan, taking three wickets as the Tigers closed in on victory.

An agonising final session at Blundstone Arena started with the visitors well-placed to hunt down a win, shifted to them battling to avoid a loss and ended with a frustrating washout for the home side.

Victoria, who crossed Bass Strait with a winning record for the season, finished at 8-319, with injured paceman John Hastings reportedly unable to bat.

In the end, Daniel Christian's 79no was the difference, though the allrounder was lucky to survive a huge lbw appeal from Bird at the death.

After being named in Australia's unchanged 12-man squad for the series opener starting in Brisbane next week, Bird took 3-68 including vital successive middle-order scalps to help cut through the Bushrangers.

Despite gallant stands by Christian, Cameron White (60) and opener Marcus Harris (51), the Bushrangers were on the verge of defeat as Tasmania made regular inroads until the weather intervened.

Victorian skipper Peter Handscomb, whose name was also among Australia's Test squad, contributed 17 and 30 for the visitors in his two innings.

Cameron Stevenson (3-77) and Sam Rainbird (2-71) helped Bird in the Tigers' attack.

After a lacklustre 203 first innings, Tassie's second dig produced 9(dec)-387 thanks largely to an unbeaten 122 by No.5 Beau Webster and a handy contribution by Jordan Silk (76).

Entering the final day at 0-44, Victoria's case wasn't helped by the absence of Hastings who didn't play a part on days three and four after leaving the ground on Tuesday with a knee complaint.

The Bushrangers' camp couldn't confirm Hastings' prognosis but he was seen hobbling around the sideline with a heavily strapped right leg on Thursday.

The result is Victoria's first draw for the season, but they maintain a clear lead in the Sheffield Shield standings.

International cricket is more affordable than ever this summer, with adult tickets from $30, kids from $10 and family packages from $65 across every day of international cricket. Price for purchase at match. Transaction fee from $6.95 applies to online and other purchases. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.