Queensland Bulls charge to 9th Sheffield Shield title following historic New South Wales triumph

Queensland Bulls have claimed their ninth Sheffield Shield crown, on the back of a historic triumph over rivals New South Wales (NSW). The Bulls crushed NSW by an innings and 33 runs in front of a roaring home crowd at Allan Border Oval. It was the team’s first-ever triumph over the Blues in a Shield final. This was further the Bulls’ first win over NSW in Queensland since 2014/15. The side from Queensland has recorded its second title in four seasons, having last won the crown in 2017-18. The Bulls have now claimed their second crown in four years, which is certainly a statement of intent. It also sends a message that the New South Wales domination is on the wane.

Marnus Labuschagne’s sensational first-innings of 192 runs off 353 put the Bulls in an almost unassailable position. This assumes even further importance on a pitch where no other batsman from either side managed a half-century. It was further the fourth-highest individual score in Shield Final history, with the innings lasting nine-and-a-half hours.

Labuschagne Backed By Fine Bowling

Labuschagne was further aided by a fine performance from the Bulls bowlers, who skillfully exploited conditions. The Blues were bowled out for 143 on Day 1, on the back of an excellent spell by Michael Neser and Jack Wildermuth. Neser and Wildermuth accounted for five and four wickets respectively, as Brendan Doggett chipped in with a dismissal. Skipper Kurtis Patterson was the top run-scorer for NSW, with 43 runs off 128 deliveries.

This was followed by a masterclass from Labuschagne, whose marathon innings helped the Bulls finish with a total of 389 in the first innings, despite none of the other batsmen even scoring a half-century.

The Queensland bowling attack worked its magic even in the second innings, with Mitchell Swepson, Xavier Bartlett and Doggett accounting for three dismissals apiece.

Over 10,000 fans attended the match across the four days, with Labuschagne awarded player of the final. Nathan Lyon was awarded player of the Sheffield Shield series, having bagged 42 wickets.