BRISBANE, 17 February 2026 – A high-stakes Sheffield Shield encounter between Queensland and South Australia is currently unfolding at the Gabba, with both sides battling for a decisive advantage in the race for the domestic final. After a chaotic opening day that saw 14 wickets fall, the match remains on a knife-edge as the Redbacks attempt to reel in the Bulls’ first-innings total.
Match Summary: Day One at the Gabba
The opening day of this Round 22 fixture was dominated by the ball in overcast Brisbane conditions. After being sent in to bat, the Queensland Bulls were quickly reduced to 75/6 as South Australian seamer Liam Scott tore through the top order. Scott claimed a career-best five-wicket haul, capitalising on the movement available to dismiss key Australian internationals including Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne.
Queensland’s innings was rescued by a gritty seventh-wicket partnership of 88 between captain Jimmy Peirson and Hayden Kerr. Peirson’s resilient 90 proved to be the backbone of the Bulls’ total, eventually guiding the home side to 185 all out in 66.5 overs. South Australia’s Spencer Johnson also impressed, finishing with figures of 7 for 47 to keep the pressure on the hosts.
In response, South Australia struggled under the Gabba lights, ending the first day at 62/4. As of Tuesday morning, the Redbacks trail by 88 runs with six wickets remaining in their first innings, setting the stage for a pivotal second day of play.
Head-to-Head Records: Queensland vs South Australia
Historically, Queensland has held the upper hand in limited-overs formats, while the Sheffield Shield rivalry remains one of the most competitive in Australian domestic cricket. The following table outlines the historical One Day International (List A) records between the two states.
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 58 |
| Queensland Wins | 37 |
| South Australia Wins | 20 |
| No Result / Abandoned | 1 |
| Highest Individual Score | 230 (Travis Head, SA vs QLD) |
Key Performances and Milestones
- Liam Scott (SA): The young quick secured his maiden five-wicket haul in the current Shield match, dismantling the Bulls’ top order.
- Jimmy Peirson (QLD): The Bulls captain’s 90-run knock saved Queensland from a total collapse on Day 1.
- Travis Head (SA): Holds the record for the highest individual score in this fixture, smashing 230 in a one-day match against Queensland.
- Mitchell Swepson (QLD): Earlier in the 2025/26 season, Swepson claimed a 10-wicket match haul against South Australia at the Adelaide Oval.
Shield Standings Context
This match carries significant weight for the 2025/26 Sheffield Shield ladder. Queensland currently sits in second place, but South Australia trails them by just 7.09 points. A victory for the Redbacks in Brisbane would drastically close the gap and potentially propel them into a position to host or participate in the final scheduled for late March.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the last Queensland vs South Australia match?
In their previous meeting in October 2025, Queensland secured a dominant victory led by Mitchell Swepson’s 10-wicket haul and Michael Neser’s four-wicket performance in the first innings.
Who holds the record for the highest score in this rivalry?
South Australia’s Travis Head holds the record for the highest individual score in a match between these two sides, scoring 230 runs in a List A (one-day) match.
Where is the current Sheffield Shield match being played?
The current match (15–18 February 2026) is being played at the Gabba in Brisbane, Queensland.
What is the current status of the match?
As of 17 February 2026, South Australia is in their first innings, trailing Queensland’s total of 185 by 88 runs with 6 wickets in hand.