South Australia have capped off the opening phase of the Sheffield Shield season with a commanding victory over Tasmania at Adelaide Oval, securing a much-needed boost heading into the Big Bash League break.
From the outset, the SA bowlers set the tone, dismantling Tasmania’s batting lineup with relentless pressure and precision. Every member of the attack contributed key breakthroughs, leaving the visitors with no room to build momentum. Leading the charge was Jordan Buckingham, whose superb figures of 4-49 spearheaded the effort as Tasmania were bundled out for just 195 in their first innings.
With the bat, South Australia showcased resilience and flair. Jake Lehmann continued his remarkable run of form, adding yet another century to his tally in what has been an outstanding 12-month stretch. However, the spotlight belonged to Liam Scott, who celebrated his maiden First-Class hundred in style. The all-rounder demonstrated maturity, first complementing Lehmann in a crucial partnership, then expertly marshalling the tail to lift SA from 7-310 to a more formidable 426 all out.
Earlier in the season, spinner Ben Manenti claimed that South Australia possessed the second-best bowling attack in the country, behind only the Australian Test team. Performances from Buckingham, Nathan McAndrew, and Scott in this match added weight to that assertion, as the trio combined to keep Tasmania under constant pressure and bowling the visitors out for 260.
The visitors never truly threatened a comeback, with regular wickets snuffing out any hopes of building meaningful partnerships. Chasing a modest target of 30 runs, openers Henry Hunt and Mackenzie Harvey made short work of the task, sealing victory in just six overs to complete an emphatic win.
The Sheffield Shield resumes on 5 February 2026, with BBL contracted players now flying out to their respective sides.