Harris and Short lead the way in small final-day run chase as the visitors claim a seven-wicket win in Perth against the defending champs
Match Report:
ScorecardVictoria wobble but set up Shield final rematch
Victoria have won their way into a second successive Marsh Sheffield Shield final after wrapping up an impressive seven-wicket win over Western Australia during the day four morning session at the WACA.
Needing just 61 runs for victory after bowling out WA late on day three, Victoria were made to work for over 90 minutes before reaching 3-64.
Image Id: 92D77B8A07554FB2A1BB738DA84BBB32 Image Caption: Campbell Kellaway and Matt Short seal victory for Victoria // GettyTravis Dean went for a duck in the third over with the Vics scoring at barely a run an over for the first half hour.
Ashley Chandrasinghe was eventually dismissed after a laborious 49-ball innings that yielded just two runs.
Test opener Marcus Harris scored the bulk of the early runs only for Cameron Gannon to take his wicket for 29, leaving the score at 3-32.
The perfect Marcus Harris straight drive 😍#SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/pcyk5OI2Ga
%E2%80%94 Victorian Cricket Team (@VicStateCricket) March 17, 2023
Matt Short, however, took charge with 23 not out from 20 balls, while Campbell Kellaway was also unbeaten on nine.
The result sees Victoria leapfrog second-placed Queensland and set up a repeat of last year's season decider against holders Western Australia.
WA were without a number of players for the final round fixture against the Vics.
The home side were bowled out for 122 and 236, with Victoria posting 298 in their first innings.
Returning Test fast bowler Scott Boland led the way with eight wickets.
The five-day final will commence next Thursday at the WACA.