There were more runs for Sam Konstas as NSW made light work of an undermanned Queensland to claim a 342-run Shield win
Sam Konstas has continued his encouraging return to run-scoring form as NSW claimed a 341-run Sheffield Shield win over Queensland.
Fresh off a first century in 14 months in NSW’s first innings on Friday, Konstas returned to the crease at the SCG on Sunday and hit a patient yet purposeful 53.
The axed Test opener brought up his half century off 53 balls before edging Mitchell Swepson to Hugh Weibgen at first slip.
Konstas scored three fours in what was his second best return of the Shield season to date, but the pick of his shots was when he slogged Swepson for six over deep mid-wicket.
The 20-year-old, who garnered plenty of attention for his gung-ho start in Test cricket last year, appeared to be playing with greater confidence and poise.
Konstas’ encouraging knock on day three put NSW’s on course for victory after the Blues had bowled Queensland out for 92 earlier in the day.
The under-strength Bulls had finished day two in a heap after falling to 7-67.
Swepson was the first Queenslander to fall on Sunday when Charlie Stobo claimed his fifth wicket of the innings and when they were all out the Bulls trailed by 379 runs.
The breathing room gave the Blues’ top order a chance to add runs quickly with Konstas top-scoring.
Lachlan Shaw finished with 30 not out off 33 balls before NSW declared on 4-143, leaving Queensland a target of 523 to win.
But Queensland hardly got going with only Hugo Burdon (59) putting up any form of resistance at the top of the order.
Burdon was eventually trapped lbw by Tanveer Sangha but NSW had to work to put away Swepson as he led Queensland’s final-wicket partnership with Benji Floros.
Swepson (40) was caught when he nudged a Liam Hatcher delivery to Kurtis Patterson at third man as Queensland were dismissed for 181.
Sheffield Shield 2025-26 standings
Team
Matches played
M
Wins
W
Losses
L
Drawn
D
No results
N/R
Deductions
Ded.
Batting Bonus
Bat
Bowling Bonus
Bowl
Total points
PTS
1
VIC
6
5
1
0
0
0
5.87
5.3
41.17
2
QLD
6
2
2
2
0
0
8.18
4.2
26.38
3
SA
6
2
2
2
0
0
4.69
5.6
24.29
4
NSW
6
2
3
1
0
0
4.65
4.9
22.55
5
TAS
6
2
3
1
0
2
3.34
5
19.34
6
WA
6
1
3
2
0
0
1.61
5.5
15.11
Legend
M: Matches played
W: Wins
L: Losses
D: Drawn
N/R: No results
Ded.: Deductions
Bat: Batting Bonus
Bowl: Bowling Bonus
PTS: Total points
