Queensland close in on Shield win despite Tas fightback

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Queensland close in on Shield win despite Tas fightback

Queensland are on the verge of a crucial Sheffield Shield win after their bowlers quelled Tasmania’s fightback on day three at Bellerive.

All seven batsmen at the top of the Tasmanian order made starts in their second innings, but no one could replicate the day-one century from Queensland and Test opener Usman Khawaja that set the tone for the game.

Instead, Queensland reached 1-26 at stumps in their second innings on Saturday, needing another 56 to win.

Barring a miracle Tasmanian bowling performance, the visitors will wrap up the match before lunch on Sunday.

Queensland started the second-last Shield round in second-last place, but their likely win will keep them in contention for the final.

Michael Neser put Queensland in the box seat on day two with his six wickets in 39 ******, then took another two on Saturday, giving him eight for the game.

But after being made to follow-on 264 runs behind, Tasmania put up a fight in their second innings.

They resumed on Saturday at 1-70 and opener Jake Weatherald top-scored with 71 as Tim Ward (52), Jordan Silk (50) and Test allrounder Beau Webster (64no) also scored half-centuries.

Neser made the first breakthrough, trapping Weatherald lbw after he had hit nine fours and a six in his 81-ball innings.

After Ben McDermott’s great catch off the legspin of Mitch Swepson dismissed Ward, Doran and Silk put on 74 for the fourth wicket to give Tasmania some hope that they could put themselves back in the game.

Jack Wildermuth then had Doran caught behind and, crucially, Mark Steketee trapped Silk lbw in the next over to put the brakes on the Tasmanian fightback.

Webster rallied the tailenders to ensure Queensland would bat again, but the wickets fell steadily – including a brutal yorker from Neser that bowled Kieran Elliott.

Steketee was the pick of the attack, taking 3-87 from 23 overs as Xavier Bartlett and Swepson claimed two wickets apiece.

Riley Meredith had Matt Renshaw caught behind for 11 to start Queensland’s second innings.

Khawaja (12no) and Jack Clayton (3no) will aim to wrap up the match on Sunday.

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