Nail-biting draw with teams level on scores

Victoria's bowlers staged a dramatic comeback late on the final day to hold Queensland to a draw off the last ball of the match, with the teams level on scores at the MCG.

Chasing 400 to keep their 100% win record this season intact, Queensland were primed for victory at 5 for 385, needing 15 runs off 27 balls with five wickets in hand. Victoria, however, took 4 for 13 and allowed only a single off the final delivery, bowled by fast bowler Jayde Herrick, when Queensland needed two to win. The visitors had needed nine off the last two overs, but managed only eight.

It was the first time Queensland had not won in six games this season, falling a run short of the seventh-highest chase in the Sheffield Shield.

Victoria began the turnaround when Herrick had Chris Hartley caught behind, leaving Queensland on 6 for 385. Two runs and six balls later, offspinner Glenn Maxwell had Cameron Boyce caught for a duck.

With seven runs to defend, Maxwell struck the crucial blow, and had the centurion Peter Forrest caught at deep midwicket. Only nine deliveries remained in the match. Maxwell could have struck again with his final ball, but Clint McKay dropped Ben Cutting at long-off.

Queensland were eight down at the start of the final over and Herrick bowled Matthew Gale off its penultimate ball. With two runs or a wicket to get, all four results - a win for either side, a draw or a tie - were possible, and Luke Feldman managed a single to level the scores and secure a draw.

Before that dramatic denouement played out, Forrest and Joe Burns had scored centuries to put Queensland firmly on course. Burns made 123 off 198 balls while Forest was quicker, with 115 off 132. Queensland had begun the final day on 1 for 35 and their innings drove the chase with authority, before an enthralling climax.