New South Wales have been bowled out for 407 after captain Moises Henriques made a pivotal 145 in the must-win Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia at the WACA Ground.

Despite NSW losing their last five wickets for just 47 runs either side of the lunch break on day two, Henrique’s 145 helped the Blues post a strong first innings score with them needing a victory to qualify for next week’s Shield final.

A draw will be enough for WA to qualify and play Victoria in the decider and with the threat of rain staying away at this stage, both the Blues and Warriors would like their chances of still making it.

Henriques has returned from a groin injury and after he won the toss and decided to bat first on the opening day, his performance keeps his side’s final hopes well and truly alive.

Nic Maddinson made 98 on the opening day which saw NSW finish on 4-225 when rain and bad light ended play early.

Despite the threat of rain, the first session of day two was unaffected.

Nathan Coulter-Nile and Nathan Rimmington bowled five straight maidens for WA but Henriques and Peter Nevill got through the tough period and then flourished.

The pair ended up combining for a 142-run partnership and it was Henriques who put the WA bowlers to the sword.

He did receive a life on day one, dropped by Ashton Agar prior to scoring a run.

Henriques hit 18 boundaries and two massive sixes, including one off Rimmington that landed on the roof of the grandstand, and was untroubled right up to his 145 which ended when caught in the gully by Coulter-Nile off the bowling of David Moody.

Nevill ended up making 48 and Sean Abbott 33 to help NSW to the score of 407 with Coulter-Nile claiming 3-58 for WA, Rimmington 3-79 and Moody 2-110.