[Watch] Riley Meredith's 'brain-fade' run-out hands South Australia thrilling final-ball win in 2024-25 Sheffield Shield clash
In an unexplainable moment on the cricket field, Australian cricketer Riley Meredith left his team scratching their heads and the opposition in absolute joy after pulling yet another of those brain-fade moments in the game.
The incident being referred to occurred during the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield clash between South Australia and Tasmania. The game was played in Hobart, which will go down as one of the most closely fought battles in Sheffield Shield history.
South Australia batted first and put up a total of 398/6 declared in the first innings. In reply, Tasmania got to just 203 runs before being bowled out. Coming out to bat again, South Australia put up 233/9 declared in the third innings, setting Tasmania a target of 429 runs for victory.
Tasmania put up a brilliant effort in the chase. They lost their ninth wicket at 423 and on the final delivery of the match, needed just four runs to complete what could have been a terrific win.
However, the 'brain-fade' moment occurred as Riley Meredith's meaningless run-out cost his side the match. Tasmania needed four runs off the final delivery. Meredith, who was on strike, played the ball to deep cover. South Australia's Ben Manenti fielded the ball and threw it back to the bowler at the non-strikers' end, who completed the run-out.
Meredith attempted to come back for a second run that was just not there as the ball had gone straight to the fielder. He was sent back by his partner and ended up being run out. Had Meredith not gone for the second run, the game could have ended in a draw as well.
Watch the clip here:
Riley Meredith's 'brain-fade' run-out gives South Australia tightest Sheffield Shield win
As a result of Riley Meredith's 'brain-fade' run-out, Tasmania were bowled out for 426, falling agonizingly short of the 429-run target. South Australia won the game by just two runs, which is the barest of margins.
Their two-run win is now the joint tightest win in the history of the Sheffield Shield in terms of runs. South Australia also moved to the top of the table with this victory, while Tasmania are now at the bottom of the points table.