SYDNEY, 07 February 2026 – New South Wales has tightened its grip on the Sheffield Shield clash against South Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), with veteran Kurtis Patterson marking a career milestone with a commanding performance. As the match enters its final stages today, the Blues hold a significant advantage, leading by 171 runs with six wickets remaining in their second innings.
Match Summary: NSW vs South Australia
The 19th match of the 2025/26 Sheffield Shield season has been a see-sawing contest defined by disciplined bowling and gritty middle-order batting. After New South Wales posted a modest 202 in their first innings, South Australia responded with 197, trailing by just five runs. The Blues then capitalised on the narrow lead, reaching 4-166 in their second dig by the close of play yesterday.
The standout story of the match has been Kurtis Patterson. Playing in his 100th Sheffield Shield game, the “Milestone Man” remained unbeaten on a half-century (59*) to anchor the NSW second innings. He was well-supported by Jack Edwards (32*), as the pair built a partnership that has effectively batted the Redbacks out of the contest on a wearing SCG surface.
Scorecard Overview
| Innings | Team | Score | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | New South Wales | 202 (55.1 overs) | Sam Konstas (44), Brendan Doggett (SA: 5 wickets) |
| 1st Innings | South Australia | 197 (Overs N/A) | Liam Hatcher (NSW: Leading wicket-taker) |
| 2nd Innings | New South Wales | 4-166 (In Progress) | Kurtis Patterson (59*), Jack Edwards (32*) |
Key Highlights and Turning Points
- Doggett’s Destruction: South Australia’s Brendan Doggett was the star of the opening day, ripping through the NSW top order to claim a five-wicket haul and keep the hosts to 202.
- Hatcher’s Fightback: Liam Hatcher led the NSW bowling response, ensuring South Australia could not take a first-innings lead by dismissing the visitors for 197.
- Patterson’s Century of Games: Kurtis Patterson became the latest member of the “100 Club” for Shield appearances, celebrating the feat with a crucial second-innings fifty that has put NSW in the box seat.
- Konstas’ Resistance: Young opener Sam Konstas provided the backbone of the first innings with a patient 44, continuing his form as one of the state’s rising stars.
Current Standing
As of Saturday morning, New South Wales leads by 171 runs. With six wickets in hand and two established batsmen at the crease, the Blues are expected to bat through the first session today before setting South Australia a target likely exceeding 250 on a day-four pitch. A win for NSW would significantly boost their standing in the 2025/26 Sheffield Shield table as the competition nears its business end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the match between NSW and South Australia?
As of 07 February 2026, New South Wales leads by 171 runs with 6 wickets remaining in their second innings. They are currently in a strong position to win the match.
What was Kurtis Patterson’s milestone?
Kurtis Patterson is playing his 100th Sheffield Shield match. He celebrated the occasion by scoring an unbeaten half-century in the second innings to put his team in control.
Where is the NSW vs SA match being played?
The match is being held at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney, New South Wales.
Who took the most wickets in the first innings?
Brendan Doggett was the pick of the bowlers for South Australia, taking a five-wicket haul to restrict New South Wales to 202 runs in their first innings.