Benjamin Manenti leads South Australia fightback against Queensland

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Benjamin Manenti leads South Australia fightback against Queensland


south australian 272 (Manenti 88, Lehmann 65, Neser 3-60, Bartlett 3-54) vs. queensland

Benjamin Manenti has yet to reach a first-class first century, but the spinner’s boundary-charged innings brought South Australia back from the brink on the opening day of their Sheffield Shield match against Queensland in Brisbane.

Manenti broke 88 as South Australia were bowled out for 272 just short of stumps on day one at the Gabba.

Easily the fastest scoring team from The Shield, South Australia scored their runs in 80 overs after a rainy afternoon.

New captain Jake Lehmann was the other main contributor with his quickshot 65 coming off just 58 balls.

But Manenti was the star with 15 caps on his 101-ball strike.

It was a third half-century in four innings for the No. 8, who is quickly making a case for being considered an all-rounder.

South Australia looked to be in deep trouble with the sacking of Lehmann leaving the visitors to 6 for 111 after Queensland sent them out to bat.

Goalkeeper Harry Nielsen also made a major contribution before being sacked late in the day for 47.

Michael Neser (3 of 60) and Xavier Bartlett (3 of 54) were the top gainers for Queensland.

The latter fired Manenti after a flash drive got stuck in the ravine.

South Australia lined up without Wes Agar, the The Shield’s main wicket-taker ahead of this round of games, he is resting ahead of next Wednesday’s One Day Cup final against Western Australia.

Second-placed Queensland went into the penultimate round match sharing the number 2 spot in the table with in-form Victoria.