Massive win lifts Vics into Shield final

Victoria are into their first Sheffield Shield final in five years after topping the competition ladder with a thumping 400-run win over Tasmania inside three days in Alice Springs.

Leg-spinner Fawad Ahmad ripped through the Tasmania batting line-up, taking 5-35 as the Tigers were bundled out for just 134.

It was Victoria’s third-highest winning margin by runs in their history.

Bonus points earned in the match means Victoria have an unassailable lead at the top of the ladder and earn hosting rights for the final.

Tasmania had no answer to Victoria’s spin attack on the Alice Springs wicket losing wickets at regular intervals, with left-arm spinner Jon Holland (2-27) adding to his six wicket haul in the first innings to claim player of the match honours.

Victoria resumed the day at 1-47, and there were half centuries from Chris Rogers and Marcus Stoinis who added 112 runs, before the former retired hurt with a hip injury on 69.

Stoinis was bowled by Clive Rose just before lunch for 62, with Victoria’s highest run-scorer for the season having now scored five 50s in his past four matches.

David Hussey (47no) and Dan Christian (37no) continued the run-fest before the Vics called a halt to their second innings at 2-230 midway through the afternoon session after dominating the Tasmanian attack scoring at five an over.

Victoria had established a massive 304-run lead on the first innings after bowling out Tasmania for just 145 on Saturday.

Veteran Test opener Rogers strained a gluteus muscle while batting but is expected to be fit for next weekend’s decider, with the Vics to meet the winner of the match between leaders Western Australia and third-placed NSW in Perth.

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