A match-winning century from Callum Ferguson has led South Australia to a dramatic five-wicket victory over Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield match at Gliderol Stadium.
The man-of-the-match went from villain to hero following a duck in the Redbacks’ first innings, in which openers Kelvin Smith and Mark Cosgrove were also removed without scoring to leave SA at 3-2.
But a stunning knock of 117 from Ferguson in the second innings helped SA mow down the deficit of 289 after the Tigers declared at 5-219 midway through the morning session on the final day.
“Obviously very disappointing in the first innings,” Ferguson said.
“In the second innings I was obviously determined to make a huge contribution and fortunately enough I was able to do that today.”
Ferguson finished with 15 boundaries and one six and in a fitting finale, belted a four with the final ball of the match to take SA across the line.
“It was nice to be there at the end,” Ferguson said.
“I was really determined to get through and certainly Adam Zampa coming in at the back end certainly made my job a lot easier.
“It was a fantastic knock from him and guys chipped in along the way so it was really pleasing to get the points.”
Ferguson reserved special praise for Zampa who contributed with an explosive 47 runs off 38 balls, including five boundaries and a six.
The pair put on a 66-run partnership to guide the Redbacks to 5-291 and claim victory.
“He’s a hell of a talent,” Ferguson said of Zampa.
“He comes out here and he knows how he plays and he’s not afraid to play that way.”
Tasmanian captain Alex Doolan said 289 was a big task for SA and despite the result thought his team bowled well on the final day.
But he praised the Redbacks and admitted they were too strong.
“I thought it was a great day’s cricket really,” Doolan said.
“I thought South Australia batted really well and I thought we bowled very well.
“(We’re) gutted but it was quite a generous declaration by us to set up the game.
“Unfortunately for us South Australia were too good.”
