Sheffield Shield 2024/25, TAS vs WA 8th Match Report, Nov 1-4, 2024

Western Australia 220 for 2 (Goodwin 73*, Fanning 68, Cartwright 48*) Tasmania 317 (Owen 83, Jewell 61, Paris 4-45) by 87 runs

WA will look to erase the deficit early on Sunday before looking to build a winning lead.

The umpires met before confirming, to Tasmania’s surprise, that the original not out decision would stand.

Goodwin and Cartwright have combined for an unbeaten 91-run third-wicket stand, accelerating late after two sessions of attrition.

“We have two guys that are well positioned, so I think we’re in a strong position,” Fanning said. “If we want to advance the game, I think it’s in our hands. We are well prepared.”

Tasmania’s lower order spent 17.3 overs scrambling for 15 runs, after resuming at 302 for 7, before WA advanced to 23 without loss at lunch in response. The opening session reaped only 38 runs from 28.3 painstaking overs.

Lawrence Neil-Smith hit six off 77 balls, while Kieran Elliott’s 77-ball stay ended on 21 thanks to a wonderful one-handed catch from Cameron Gannon.

Teague Wyllie (22) was the only WA batsman to fall before tea, caught weight by left-arm orthodox spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.

Fanning dominated the 70-run first-wicket tie with Wyllie and reached his highest first-class score before chasing down a wide half-volley from Bradley Hope, which sent Doran home.

“I see a path for us to victory: there are four overs left before the new ball,” Kuhnemann said. If we can take some wickets early tomorrow and put some pressure on, day three will be the breakthrough day. “I think the players did a decent job, but tomorrow will be a big day for us.”