Maiden ton for Hackney but NSW end one of their worst-ever Shield seasons winless after South Australia held on for a draw.
South Australia’s bid for an unexpected winning run-chase devolved into a battle of survival, with the Redbacks ultimately settling for a draw against New South Wales in the last round of the Sheffield Shield in Adelaide.
South Australia finished at 290 for 7 after setting a daunting 386 from 87 overs for win at Karen Rolton Park. The Redbacks were in the game with five wickets down and 144 required from the final 20 overs, but captain Jake Lehmann’s departure prompted the home side to play for a draw.
South Australia finished ahead of Tasmania in fourth place in the Shield standings, but New South Wales went winless for the first time since the competition became a home and away 10-game season in 1982-83.
South Australia built slowly after a cautious start, with Daniel Drew scoring 84 at No.3, capping off a brilliant performance in which he had made 85 in the first innings.
Following on from his first innings century, Lehmann scored 74 from 83 balls, while Liam Scott hit 40 only to be undone by a sensational catch at square leg by Blake MacDonald off Ben Dwarshuis. Scott fired a pull shot, only for MacDonald to pluck it with one hand while diving full length to his right.
Lehmann was given a lbw off Chris Green before Harry Nielsen and Nathan McAndrew secured a draw for the hosts.
Previously, New South Wales batted for seven overs before declaring at 247 for three. Ryan Hackney, the young opener, was the sole wicket to fall, but not before completing his maiden first-class century. He slept on 98 not out but added two runs for his first Sheffield Shield century before being bowled out for 102.