South Australia win back to back Sheffield Shield titles as Victoria capitulate on final morning

South Australia have claimed back to back Sheffield Shield titles for the first time in their 133-year history.

Champions 14 times before the 2025-26 season, the SACAs had never won consecutive titles until Monday morning’s triumph at Junction Oval against Victoria, dating all the way back to the inception of the competition in 1892-93.

Victoria had 94 runs to get for victory with five wickets in hand heading into Day 5, before capitulating inside the first hour of play.

SA quick Henry Thornton — a former Victorian — delivered the knockout blow when he bowled Fergus O’Neill for 12 just before the first drinks break.

“Bowled him! South Australia, back to back Sheffield Shield champions!” Adam White said on commentary for Kayo.

“Last year they broke the drought at home, now they come and do it again in enemy territory, in one of the most remarkable Shield wins in years.

“They were on the canvas this time yesterday. They stand up today and land the knockout punch.”

With 77 runs and six wickets for the match, South Australia’s Nathan McAndrew won player of the match honours.

Needing 196 to win, the home side resumed at 5-102 on Day 5 and were bowled out for 139, giving SA victory by 56 runs.

There was controversy on the fifth and final day, with key Victorian batter Oliver Peake given out when Test keeper Alex Carey took a sharp diving catch off Liam Scott’s bowling.

Side-on TV footage appeared to show Scott’s delivery was a front-foot no ball, but the non-striker batter partially obscured the delivery stride.

Peake only made four and his dismissal was a critical blow to Victoria, who had dominated the season and were strong favourites to claim their first title since 2018-19.

Scott, the Shield player of the year, snared 3-32 as Victoria lost their last five wickets for 27. Thornton took 3-12, including the last two wickets, and McAndrew claimed 3-50

Carey set up the win on day four with his 103, after also scoring a ton in last year’s final.

When McAndrew came to the crease in SA’s second innings, Test paceman Scott Boland was on a hat-trick and SA were reeling at 7-122.

His eighth-wicket partnership of 105 with Carey decisively turned an absorbing final, which was full of plot twists.

It looked like the game might not survive through the early afternoon on Sunday. Instead, the visitors took control and Victoria lost their last seven wickets for 37.

The Vics started the final morning well, taking 10 runs off the target, before nightwatchmen Mitch Perry and Nathan Murphy were dismissed in successive overs.

Then Peake lost his wicket and once captain Will Sutherland was caught by Ben Manenti at first slip off Thornton, Victoria’s hopes were shot.

SA only secured second spot to make the final in the last game of the regular season.

“We really had to dig deep. The ability for us to stay in the game is incredible and to win two in a row with this group is super-special,” SA captain Nathan McSweeney said.

“It makes it even better when we’re all such good mates off the field. I couldn’t be prouder or luckier to captain such great cricketers and even better blokes.”

- With AAP