Victoria vs South Australia: 2025-26 Sheffield Shield Final – How to Watch & Team News
Melbourne, Australia – Victoria and South Australia will renew their rivalry at Junction Oval from March 26-30, 2026, in the final of the 2025-26 Sheffield Shield, Australia’s premier first-class cricket competition. The match will pit the runaway ladder-leaders, Victoria, against the defending champions, South Australia, in a rematch of a drawn contest earlier this season.
Victoria, seeking their 33rd Shield title, finished the regular season comfortably ahead of their rivals, boasting a record of seven wins and two losses. They will enter the final with a largely healthy squad, bolstered by the return of Test star Scott Boland, who took four wickets against South Australia in their round 10 clash. Still, allrounder Matt Short will be absent, having joined the Chennai Super Kings for the upcoming Indian Premier League season. A selection dilemma looms for Victoria, with either Mitch Perry or Sam Elliott set to build way for Fergus O’Neill, who was rested for the final round of the regular season. Both Perry and Elliott have been prolific wicket-takers this season, claiming 32 and 33 wickets respectively.
South Australia, aiming for consecutive Shield titles for the first time in their history, secured their place in the final after a strong finish to the season. They will be without Test-capped quick Brendan Doggett, sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in round seven and young left-armer Campbell Thompson, who is also out for the season with a hamstring injury. However, Wes Agar is pushing for a return from a back injury, having taken two wickets in a recent club cricket semi-final. Coach Ryan Harris has confirmed Agar will be included in a 14-man squad alongside leg-spinner Lloyd Pope and Jake Fraser-McGurk, who will provide batting cover. Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey will feature for South Australia, having scored a century in last year’s final against Queensland.
The two sides played out a draw at Junction Oval earlier this season, a result that ultimately secured South Australia’s place in the final. Rain washed out a significant portion of play on day three, preventing a definitive result. Henry Hunt, South Australia’s opener, finished the regular season with 667 runs, whereas Victoria’s Todd Murphy took four first innings wickets in that match.
Victoria and South Australia have a rich history in the Sheffield Shield, having been two of the three inaugural teams to contest the competition in 1892-93. Victoria have dominated the rivalry historically, with 47 Shield titles to South Australia’s 14. Their most recent final encounter was in 2016-17, with Victoria winning the title after a draw.
The final will be broadcast live on cricket.com.au, the CA Live app, Fox Cricket, and Kayo Sports, with commentary provided by Adam White, Bruce Eva, Bryce McGain, Jason Behrendorff, Rob Quiney, and Adam Crosthwaite. Live scores will be available on the Match Centre, and listeners can tune into ABC Radio for live commentary. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Officials for the final will include Sam Nogajski and Shawn Craig (field umpires), Donovan Koch (third umpire), Phil Gillespie (fourth umpire), and Kepler Wessels (match referee). Each team will be permitted one injury substitution during the match, with substitutions allowed up until stumps on day three.
In the event of a draw, the title will be awarded to the team with the most bonus points earned in the first innings. If bonus points are tied, Victoria will be declared the winners by virtue of finishing higher on the standings. If fewer than 270 overs are bowled due to weather, Victoria will also be declared the winners.