South Australia 154 and 182 for 1 (Harvey 90*, McSweeney 57*) need 240 more runs to beat Western Australia 406 for 5 dec and 169 (Agar 48, Doggett 4-51)
Set a mammoth 422 for victory and having been skittled for 154 in their first innings, SA could have been forgiven for merely batting for survival at Adelaide Oval.
The biggest successful run chase in Shield history is the 506 for 6 SA posted to pull off victory against Queensland in 1991-92. And SA can add another memorable chapter to their rich history if they can get over the top of WA on Saturday.
Agar’s 101-ball resistance was finally brought to an end when he was bowled by part-time spinner McSweeney.
Brendan Doggett was the pick of the SA bowlers, while Liam Scott and Wes Agar also chipped in with multiple wickets.
Earlier in the match, WA set up a position of dominance by compiling 406 for 5 declared in the first innings. A total of 18 wickets fell on a chaotic day two, with Richardson unleashing an inspiring opening spell as SA were skittled for 154.
But day three belonged to SA, and with only light rain forecast for Saturday, the Shield clash looks set for a result one way or another.
