da wazamba： Adam Crosthwaite and the Victoria tail held on for a nail-biting draw after the Bushrangers’ knack for reining in big targets deserted them at Melbourne
Cricinfo staff04-Mar-2007
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Ben Edmondson gave Western Australia hope but could not finish the job © Getty Images
Adam Crosthwaite and the Victoria tail held on for a nail-biting draw after the Bushrangers’ knack for reining in big targets deserted them at Melbourne. Ben Edmondson led Western Australia’s charge for victory with three wickets but he could not break the final partnership in the last over.The Bushrangers hit big trouble early in their chase of 346, falling to 4 for 41 and steadily sinking further as the afternoon progressed. After their disappointing start, they abandoned all thoughts of a win and Crosthwaite looked set to salvage a draw with his three-hour 31.He was trapped lbw in the second-last over, leaving Peter Siddle and Darren Pattinson eight balls to survive. Siddle, in his Pura Cup debut, managed comfortably and finished his crucial 76-minute innings on 7.Edmondson’s 3 for 50 included the important victims David Hussey and Michael Klinger but he was wayward in the final over as the home side crawled to 9 for 182. The Warriors set Victoria the challenging target from 85 overs after declaring at 7 for 271.Western Australia and Victoria both retain a hope of playing Tasmania in the Pura Cup final, provided the Tigers do not lose to New South Wales next week. The Bushrangers face Queensland while the Warriors will fancy their chances against South Australia.