South Australia’s cricket team, the Redbacks, has achieved an unprecedented feat, securing back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles for the first time in the competition's 133-year history. The Redbacks sealed their second consecutive championship on Monday, March 30, 2026, defeating Victoria by 56 runs in a thrilling final at Junction Oval. This victory marks a golden era for South Australian cricket, following their drought-breaking win in the 2024-25 season.
Redbacks Secure Dramatic 2026 Triumph
The 2025-26 Sheffield Shield final culminated in a dramatic fifth day, with South Australia’s bowlers dismantling Victoria’s batting lineup. Victoria, who began Day 5 at 102 for 5, chasing a target of 196, collapsed to be all out for 139. The Redbacks’ bowling attack needed less than an hour to claim the remaining seven wickets for just 37 runs, clinching a memorable 56-run victory.
All-rounder Nathan McAndrew was pivotal in the final, earning the Man of the Match award. He delivered impressive figures of 6 for 121 across both innings and contributed a crucial 60 runs with the bat. McAndrew’s partnership of 105 runs with Test wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, who scored 103, was instrumental in setting up South Australia's challenging total on a pitch that favored pace bowling.[m+1]
South Australia skipper Nathan McSweeney praised his team's resilience and camaraderie. "The ability for us to stay in the game is incredible, and to win two in a row with this group is super special, and it makes it even better when we're all such good mates off the field," McSweeney said. Quick bowler Henry Thornton, a former Victorian player, delivered the decisive blow, bowling Fergus O'Neill just before the first drinks break on the final day.[m+2]
Ending a 29-Year Drought, Then Repeating
The recent back-to-back success began with the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield title, which ended a significant 29-year drought for South Australia. That victory, secured on March 29, 2025, saw the Redbacks defeat Queensland by four wickets in the final at Karen Rolton Oval. South Australia successfully chased a target of 270 runs.
Centuries from Jason Sangha, who scored an unbeaten 126, and Alex Carey, with 105 runs, were the highlights of that historic chase. The Redbacks' 2024-25 season was particularly strong, as they also lifted the One-Day Cup, completing a domestic double. This earlier triumph set the stage for the unprecedented back-to-back Shield wins, marking a remarkable turnaround for the state's cricket fortunes.[foxsports+1]
The Journey to Consistent Success
The Redbacks' journey to these historic consecutive titles reflects a significant period of growth and development within South Australian cricket. Before the 2024-25 season, the team had not won the Sheffield Shield since 1996. The consistent performance and the ability to win under pressure in two consecutive finals highlight the team's strong leadership and depth.[foxsports]
Coach Ryan Harris, alongside captain Nathan McSweeney, has fostered a winning culture, transforming the team into a formidable force in Australian first-class cricket. The team's ability to perform in crucial moments, as demonstrated by McAndrew and Carey in the recent final, underscores their mental toughness and skill. The Redbacks' triumph is a testament to the dedication of the players and the support staff.[en]
These consecutive victories signify a new chapter for South Australian cricket, bringing immense pride to the state. The Redbacks have not only broken a long-standing drought but have also established a new benchmark for success, becoming a dominant force in the Sheffield Shield competition. The future looks bright for cricket in South Australia, with a strong foundation built on these historic achievements.
