Victorian spinner Fawad Ahmed claimed the best innings figures in a Sheffield Shield final as his side homed in on the draw they need to claim the title.

At stumps on day two at Bellerive Oval the Bushrangers got off to a rock solid start, reaching 0-135 in reply to Western Australia’s 421.

Ahmed snared 8-89 in dominant display, a new personal best that is sure to also capture the attention of Test selectors.

The 33 year-old’s performance eclipsed Western Australia’s Chris Matthews’ 8-101 against Queensland in the 1987/88 final.

Ahmed’s achievement didn’t stop WA from posting an admirable first-innings total, which was driven largely by century-making skipper Adam Voges (107).

After reaching his ton – his sixth for the season – on day one, Voges returned on Sunday for seven overs, when Peter Siddle (2-67) made the breakthrough, with a full-pitched delivery sneaking through to rattle the stumps.

Ahmed’s scalps included those of opener Marcus Harris (81), Sam Whiteman (72), Michael Klinger (18) and Shaun Marsh (six), along with four tailenders who were each dismissed for single-figure contributions.

Ahmed is the leading Shield wicket taker for the season while Voges tops the runscorers’ charts, both now right in contention for berths in the Australian squads to tour the West Indies and England.

But their current focus remains the Bellerive contest, where WA need an outright victory in the five-day fixture to claim the Shield, compared to top-of-the-table Victoria who can take the prize with just a draw.

Victorian opener Chris Rogers (79 not out) reached his half century off 83 balls and found support from Rob Quiney (48 not out) who was also unbeaten at stumps.

The pair will resume on Monday, when rain is forecast for Hobart.