South Australia has finally ended their 29-year title drought in the Sheffield Shield, thanks to a record-breaking 202-run partnership between Alex Carey and Jason Sangha. Chasing a target of 270, they found themselves in deep trouble at 28/3, but Carey and Sangha’s heroic stand turned the match around, securing a historic 4-wicket victory over Queensland on Saturday.
As Sangha played a shot off pacer Callum Vidler down the leg side, he raised his bat and sprinted with joy towards Carey. The two embraced in celebration at the crease while their South Australian teammates hugged each other on the dressing room balcony. Hundreds of fans flooded the ground, some hugging the batters, others patting them on the back — a celebration that reflected how long they had waited for this moment.
The wait had lasted 29 years. South Australia not only ended the drought but did so by setting a new record for the highest successful chase in Sheffield Shield final history. Their 14th title came in spectacular fashion, surpassing Victoria’s previous record of chasing 239 against New South Wales in the 1990-91 season.
Carey and Sangha were the heroes of the fourth innings. Under immense pressure, they stitched together a crucial 202-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Carey scored 105 off 132 balls — his fourth century in five matches this season — while Sangha remained unbeaten on 126 off 192 balls, ensuring victory in the final session of the fourth day.
The final’s standout performer, however, was South Australia’s 30-year-old pacer Brendan Doggett. He was named Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance, taking 11 wickets for 140 runs across both innings — the best bowling figures in Sheffield Shield final history. The previous record was held by Shane Jurgensen, who took 11 wickets for 172 runs for Tasmania against Queensland in the 2001-02 final, albeit in a losing cause.
At one point, South Australia’s hopes seemed to be slipping away. After losing three wickets for just 28 runs, they nearly lost a fourth at 37 when Ben McDermott dropped Sangha in the slips. Queensland failed to create another clear opportunity after that. Carey and Sangha capitalized, turning the match firmly in South Australia’s favor. Even after Carey got out, Sangha held firm despite the loss of two quick wickets at the other end.
Queensland had made a strong comeback after being bowled out for just 85 in the first innings. Jack Clayton and Jack Wildermuth both hit centuries in the second innings, helping Queensland post a challenging total of 445. However, it wasn’t enough to stop South Australia.
This victory also marked South Australia’s first-ever double triumph in a single season, as they had earlier won the One-Day Cup by defeating Victoria in the final on March 1. It was a remarkable achievement for coach Ryan Harris in his first season in charge.
For Carey, this win was even more special. He had been part of the South Australia squad that lost back-to-back Sheffield Shield finals in 2016 and 2017. This time, he finally got his hands on the coveted title.
It has been a phenomenal season for the wicketkeeper-batsman. In just five matches, he amassed 741 runs at an average of 82.33, including four centuries and two fifties. However, the century under pressure in the final, coming in at number five, is likely to hold a special place in his heart for years to come.
