HOBART, 19 February 2026 – The Sheffield Shield clash between Tasmania and New South Wales has reached a critical juncture at Bellerive Oval, with the visitors holding a slight advantage as the match enters its final stages. After a dominant first-innings performance by the NSW Blues, a resilient second-innings fightback from the Tasmanian Tigers has kept the contest alive, setting up a tense finish on the final day.
Match Summary: Day 3 Recap
The third day of play saw New South Wales complete their first innings for 356, establishing a massive 220-run lead over Tasmania’s disappointing first-innings total of 136. Josh Philippe was the standout for the Blues, scoring a fluent 81, supported by William Salzmann’s 73.
Facing a daunting deficit, Tasmania’s top order showed significantly more grit in their second dig. Opener Jake Weatherald led the charge, narrowly missing out on a century after being dismissed for 95. Tim Wakim contributed a solid 57 to help steady the ship. By the close of play yesterday, Tasmania had reached 258/5, erasing the deficit and moving into a slender lead of 38 runs. With five wickets remaining, the Tigers will look to set a target that can challenge the NSW batting line-up on a wearing pitch.
Head-to-Head Statistics
The rivalry between these two states remains one of the most competitive in Australian domestic cricket. Historically, New South Wales has held the upper hand in First-Class encounters, though Tasmania has proven to be a formidable opponent at home in Hobart.
| Category | Tasmanian Tigers | NSW Blues |
|---|---|---|
| Recent H2H Wins (Last 9) | 5 | 4 |
| Average Runs (Batting 1st) | 265.5 | 227.8 |
| Highest Team Total | 623 | 391 |
| Lowest Team Total | 140 | 32 |
Key Performers this Season
Several players have made significant impacts during the 2025-26 Sheffield Shield season. Beau Webster continues to be a vital all-rounder for Tasmania, while Nikhil Chaudhary recently made headlines with a maiden First-Class century against the Blues in November 2025. For New South Wales, the emergence of Sam Konstas and the consistent form of Josh Philippe have been the primary talking points.
Latest Updates
- Weatherald’s Heartbreak: Jake Weatherald fell just five runs short of a ton on Day 3, a knock that has been instrumental in Tasmania’s attempt to save the match.
- NSW Bowling Strength: William Salzmann has backed up his batting performance with disciplined bowling, keeping the pressure on the Tasmanian middle order.
- Current Standing: As of the morning of 19 February 2026, Tasmania leads by 38 runs with 5 wickets in hand in their second innings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the current Tasmania vs NSW match being played?
The Match 23 of the 2025-26 Sheffield Shield is being held at Bellerive Oval in Hobart, Tasmania.
Who scored the most runs for NSW in the first innings?
Josh Philippe top-scored for New South Wales with 81 runs, followed closely by William Salzmann with 73.
What was Tasmania’s first innings score?
Tasmania was bowled out for 136 in their first innings after winning the toss and electing to bat.
How many runs did Jake Weatherald score in the second innings?
Weatherald scored 95 runs before being dismissed, anchoring the Tasmanian fightback.