NSW in deep trouble against Tasmania in crucial Sheffield Shield clash

Tasmania 81 for 1 & 186 lead New South Wales 186 (Dwarshuis 40*, Moody 4-41, Siddle 3-10) by 226 runs

Beau Webster, Riley Meredith, and Jake Weatherald have put significant pressure on New South Wales (NSW), severely impacting their Sheffield Shield final aspirations and handing Tasmania firm control at Bellerive Oval.

Midway through their pink-ball match, Tasmania reached 81 for 1 in their second innings, holding a commanding lead of 226 runs. NSW must secure a victory in this final round clash against bottom-placed Tasmania to surpass Queensland and claim a spot in the final against South Australia.

The visitors faced considerable challenges, particularly in the middle session, as Beau Webster (3-43) and Riley Meredith (3-43) tore through the NSW batting line-up, triggering a collapse that saw them bundled out for 186. Meredith's fiery spell of fast bowling, combined with Webster's consistent accuracy, left NSW struggling.

Jordan Silk, playing his 100th Sheffield Shield match, thrilled the home fans with a solid innings of 112 off 208 deliveries, featuring 12 boundaries, before being dismissed by Ben Dwarshuis (4-41).

Despite useful contributions from Sean Abbott (30), Josh Philippe (25), and Kurtis Patterson (25), NSW's innings lacked stability as they quickly slipped to 134 for 8. Dwarshuis’ aggressive 40 from 31 balls (including six fours and two sixes) late in the innings ensured Tasmania would bat again on Sunday.

Weatherald (batting 56*) and opener Tim Ward (11*) guided Tasmania safely to stumps, leaving NSW facing an uphill battle to keep their final hopes alive.