Vics, Tigers in last-ditch Shield scramble - ABC Online

Updated March 16, 2013 20:42:35

Tasmania and Victoria will be in a fight to the death when the last day of the Sheffield Shield's regular season gets underway on Sunday.

Only outright victory at Bellerive can guarantee the Tigers and Bushrangers a place in next week's final, although the Vics may sneak in if Western Australia and Queensland play out a draw.

After New South Wales thrashed South Australia, five sides remain in the running to host the decider.

Tasmania was 1 for 137 at stumps on a rain-interrupted day three, a lead of 148, and will chase quick runs on Sunday morning before attempting to bowl the Bushrangers out.

Victoria expects to be chasing a target of around 300 in 70 overs, but Tigers coach Tim Coyle was giving little away.

"(We'll) see what the weather forecast is and just have a look and see what the conditions are like and (go) into the day with a few scenarios in our minds and be pretty flexible with that," he said.

Adding to the tension is the X-factor of rain in Hobart, with 48 overs lost on Saturday and showers forecast for day four.

Century-making Victorian batsman David Hussey said his side, which came into the final round of matches in top spot, would have no choice but to chase the victory after letting the two crucial first-innings points slip.

"It's going to be difficult," said Hussey, who made 112 in Victoria's first dig of 358 in reply to Tasmania's 6 for 369 declared.

"It's probably not a new-ball wicket. It's probably more of an old ball wicket with it reversing a little bit.

"We need to really bat well tomorrow and whatever target they set we'll be definitely going for it."

The Tigers began their second innings well with openers Mark Cosgrove (50) and Jordan Silk (61 not out) putting on 98 before Cosgrove was bowled by Fawad Ahmed (1 for 30).

Silk will resume with Alex Doolan, who is unbeaten on 23.

The Tigers' destiny is entirely in their own hands, Coyle said.

"We're really worrying about what's going to happen here," he said.

"We know what's gone on up (in Sydney) and we'll keep an eye on what happens over in the west as well.

"All those things impact but at the end of the day this is a six-point game for both teams."

AAP

Topics: cricket, sport, hobart-7000, tas, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted March 16, 2013 20:27:26