Watch: Liam O’Connor, who has a first-class average of zero, played the most important knock of his life, denying South Australia a late victory in a Sheffield Shield thriller.

It was all riding on the 27-year-old’s shoulders in the final over on the fourth day in Perth. Cameron Bancroft and Cameron Green were dismissed by David Grant in a span of three deliveries after lunch and the two dismissals caused a flurry of wickets in the session. Daniel Worrall tore through the middle order, as Western Australia were reduced from 63-2 to 143-9.

While Cameron Gannon played excellently to hold on for a 65-ball 13, O’Connor had to face the entire last over to save the game. The right-hander, playing in just his third first-class game, was up against the experienced Chad Sayyers.

O’Connor did well to defend the first five balls but then edged the final delivery, serving an enthralling end to the contest. The ball, however, fell just short of gully, breaking South Australia hearts.

Watch the last-ball drama from the Sheffield Shield encounter here:

 

One ball remaining. One wicket needed. No.11 on strike

Gotta love #SheffieldShield cricket 😊 pic.twitter.com/8HgC2xYPf4

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 28, 2021