Tigers fight for survival as Lehmann sets huge target

Tasmania 212 (Clingeleffer 64, Tait 4-56, Bailey 4-85) and 2 for 118 (Di Venuto 45) need 445 runs to beat South Australia 9 for 581 dec and 6 for 193 dec (Cosgrove 89, Lehmann 58)
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Pura Cup points table

Tasmania's match-saving mission suffered two batting blows on the third day after they were offered an unlikely 563 for victory by Darren Lehmann. The Tigers, who finished at 2 for 118, lost their captain Michael Di Venuto and David Dawson in their second innings and will rely on Michael Bevan (34) and Travis Birt (16) for a strong start on the final day.

Lehmann refused to enforce the follow-on when Tasmania were dismissed for 212, Shaun Tait collecting 4 for 56 in an impressive return to the first-class arena. Tait, who injured his shoulder playing club cricket after the Ashes tour, was on a hat-trick with his first ball of the second innings after dismissing Adam Griffith and Ben Hilfenhaus to secure first-innings points. Sean Clingeleffer, the wicketkeeper, was the stand-out visiting batsman with 64 before he edged Tait to Graham Manou.

Mark Cosgrove narrowly missed a brutal century in a session - his 89 came from 77 balls with nine fours and two sixes - and Lehmann added a 51-ball 58 to his first-innings 182 to set up the declaration at tea. Hilfenhaus picked up three wickets as the bowlers suffered against an order intent on quick runs.