Cricket

Queensland's Sheffield Shield woes continued as they were forced to settle for a draw against Tasmania at Allan Border Field. Despite a valiant effort from Ben McDermott and Jimmy Peirson, the hosts were unable to overcome Tasmania's dominant performance.Tasmania, led by Jake Weatherald's superb 186, posted a mammoth 461 in their first innings. Queensland's response was hampered by the weather, with most of day two lost to rain. Resuming on 274 for 7, they were quickly bundled out for 291, falling 20 runs short of avoiding the follow-on.Mitchell Owen and Riley Meredith picked up early wickets in Queensland's second innings, leaving them teetering at 126 for 5. However, McDermott and Peirson combined for an unbroken 99-run stand to salvage a draw.Queensland captain Mitchell Swepson acknowledged Tasmania's dominance, stating, "We play Shield cricket to win and unfortunately we haven't been able to get into positions to win." He added, "Tassie were driving the game from the first day when we weren't quite on with the ball."Queensland's winless streak in Brisbane now stands at six games, comprising four losses and two draws. They will face top-of-the-table Victoria in a day-night clash at the Gabba on Sunday, a match they must win to revive their season.Tasmania, meanwhile, will travel to Sydney to face New South Wales, also seeking their first victory of the summer.

Queensland's Angus Lovell has propelled the Bulls to a commanding position in their Sheffield Shield clash against New South Wales, scoring a maiden first-class century and leading his team to a 167-run lead.Lovell's unbeaten 146, crafted with patience and determination at Cricket Central in western Sydney, was the cornerstone of Queensland's dominant day three performance. The 25-year-old shared a mammoth 310-run partnership with Ben McDermott, who contributed a valuable 87 off 143 deliveries.Despite the absence of wickets for Test quick Josh Hazlewood, who bowled 24 overs without success, Queensland's top-six batsmen all made significant contributions. Lovell's century was particularly impressive, as he capitalized on two missed chances by NSW fielders.Lovell's heroics with the bat followed his impressive performance with the ball, where he claimed 3 for 13 to clean up the NSW tail. His all-round display continued a remarkable run of form, having recently scored an unbeaten 250 for Queensland's second XI.After McDermott's dismissal, Lovell forged another substantial partnership with Lachlan Hearne, who made 58 before falling to Ryan Hadley. Tanveer Sangha also picked up two wickets for NSW.Queensland will enter the final day with a significant advantage, needing to set a challenging target before attempting to dismiss NSW's batsmen. The Bulls will be aiming to build on their lead and secure a crucial victory in their Shield campaign.

Hampshire Hawks' impressive bowling performance, led by John Turner's exceptional figures, propelled them to a thrilling seven-run victory over Essex Eagles in the Vitality Blast. The Eagles, who were runners-up in 2023, needed just a point at Utilita Bowl to secure a quarter-final berth, but Turner's devastating spell of 4 for 23 shattered their hopes.Hampshire's innings was anchored by Ben McDermott's exquisite 64, complemented by James Vince's 41 and Tom Prest's 41. The opening partnership between Vince and McDermott flourished, amassing 97 runs, the highest first-wicket stand for Hampshire in 2024. McDermott, who had struggled in previous Blast matches, showcased his versatility and power, reaching his 39-ball fifty with a combination of brute force and innovative shots.Essex's chase faltered from the outset, with Adam Rossington and Dean Elgar dismissed in the first over. Turner then took control, claiming two wickets in his opening over, including Michael Pepper and Paul Walter. Matt Critchley's dismissal gave Turner figures of 3 for 6 after just two overs.However, Essex's young guns, Luc Benkenstein and Charlie Allison, staged a remarkable recovery. Benkenstein, who had previously played a pivotal role in a victory over Glamorgan, and Allison, making his maiden T20 half-century, forged an 86-run partnership. Allison's 37-ball fifty was highlighted by a whipped six and a powerful over-the-top shot. Benkenstein also reached his first T20 half-century, four balls ahead of his teammate.With 38 runs required off 18 deliveries, Benkenstein's hopes were dashed when he scooped the ball straight up. Turner then clean-bowled Harmer for his fourth wicket. Turner's penultimate over conceded only six runs, leaving Essex needing 15 off the final over. Despite Allison's valiant 69, Wood defended brilliantly, securing Hampshire's fourth win of the competition.