Cricket-South Australia clinch back-to-back Sheffield Shields for first time

South Australia took Victoria’s last seven wickets ​for 37 runs on Monday (March 30, 2026) to ‌secure a 56-run victory and ​clinch back-to-back Sheffield Shield ⁠titles for the first time in the 133-year history of the domestic ‌first-class competition.

Victoria, heavy favourites to win the final, ‌resumed on day five at ‌Junction ⁠Oval on 102-5 chasing ⁠a victory target of 196 to take the inter-state title for the 33rd ​time.

South Australia’s bowling ‌attack needed less than an hour to dismiss them for 139, however, with quick Nathan ‌McAndrew named Man of the ​Match for his figures of 6-121 over both ⁠innings and a key knock with the bat.

McAndrew made 60 in ‌a pivotal second-innings partnership of 105 with test wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, who contributed 103 to South Australia’s tally on a pace-friendly pitch.

“The ability for us ‌to stay in the game is ​incredible, and to win two in a row with ⁠this group is super special, and ⁠it makes it even better when we’re all such ‌good mates off the field,” said South Australia skipper Nathan ​McSweeney.