Stand-in skipper finished 107 not out, while Harry Nielsen was unbeaten on 52

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff24-Mar-2022

Henry Hunt square drives through point•Getty Images

Captain Henry Hunt’s unbeaten century rescued South Australia from a perilous position and stalled New South Wales’ chase for a spot in the Sheffield Shield final.After a majestic 142 from captain Jason Sangha steered the Blues to 294, the Redbacks were 5 for 219 at stumps on day two at Karen Rolton Oval, with Hunt on 107 not out and Harry Nielsen unbeaten on 52.NSW must win outright with enough bonus points and have results go their way in Western Australia’s battle with Victoria to earn a spot in the Sheffield Shield final.Hunt’s unbeaten ton rescued the Redbacks from trouble at 4 for 52 and 5 for 98. He put on an unbroken 121-run partnership with Nielsen.SA couldn’t find a significant early partnership and quickly found themselves in trouble, with NSW quick Trent Copeland pinching two of the early wickets.Opener Hunt proved the anchor of the innings and he found help from Thomas Kelly before Tanveer Sangha produced a crucial lbw to dismiss the No. 6 batter for 29 just as the Redbacks looked to be getting back into the game.But Hunt and Nielsen then found their groove and steered the side through the day’s final 42 overs. Earlier, Blues captain Sangha starred as he reached his highest first-class score.He stuck strong as wickets fell around him, one of just four Blues to make more than seven runs. Debutant Jordan Buckingham (4-79) led the bowling figures for the hosts, while Brendan Doggett also impressed with three scalps.