O’Neill Secures Another Impressive Five-Wicket Haul for Victoria
Fergus O’Neill delivered a remarkable performance, securing another five-wicket haul for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales at Junction Oval. His impressive bowling led to NSW being dismissed for just 163 runs.
Key Moments from the Match
On Thursday, O’Neill’s exceptional figures of 5 for 26 saw NSW crumble, handing Victoria a substantial first-innings lead of 170 runs. By stumps, Victoria had reached 93 runs for the loss of five wickets.
Victoria began strong, reaching 72 runs without losing a wicket. However, they faced a sudden collapse, losing four wickets for just 19 runs before bad light halted play.
O’Neill’s Impact
Despite being somewhat overlooked for national selection, O’Neill’s consistent performances have made him a key player for Victoria. The 24-year-old’s recent county cricket stint yielded 21 wickets at an impressive average of 17.90, marking him as one of the standout bowlers in that competition.
During the match, O’Neill took key wickets, starting with nightwatchman Ryan Hadley and followed by taking out notable players like Kurtis Patterson and Matt Gilkes. This five-wicket haul marks O’Neill’s eighth in just 36 first-class matches, with an overall bowling average of 20.55.
Current Standings in Sheffield Shield 2025-26
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Drawn | No Results | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria Men | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15.43 |
| NSW Men | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Queensland Bulls | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3.53 |
| Tasmanian Tigers Men | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2.51 |
| South Australia Men | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.77 |
| Western Australia Men | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
O’Neill’s strong form continues to bolster Victoria’s position, as they aim for further success in the Sheffield Shield season.
