Queensland 173 and 44 for 6 (Gannon 3-27) drew with Western Australia 210 and 229 (Fanning 87, Bancroft 72, Labuschagne 4-22)
Queensland have escaped with a lucky Sheffield Shield draw against Western Australia after rain washed out almost the entire final day at Allan Border Field.
The Bulls resumed play on Sunday in dire trouble at 43 for 6 chasing 267 for victory.
Only five overs could be bowled in Sunday’s morning session – for a grand total of one run – before rain stopped play.
With between 20mm to 90mm of rain forecast for the area, it was always unlikely play would be able to resume, and it proved to be the case.
Play was finally abandoned at 4pm local time, leaving WA four wickets short of victory.
The rained-out result was a cruel blow for WA, who were on the verge of snaring their second win of the season and are now guaranteed to finish last.
For Queensland, their hopes of reaching the March 26-30 final are on thin ice.
The Bulls started the penultimate round in second spot but have now slipped to third following South Australia’s nine-wicket win over New South Wales.
It means Queensland (36.38 points) need to beat Tasmania in Hobart and rely on ladder leaders Victoria defeating South Australia (42.16) in order to reach the final, with bonus points also set to play a part.
Queensland’s batting let them down badly against WA, with the home side posting just 173 in the first innings before slumping to 43 for 6 in the second.
WA posted tallies of 210 and 229 on the tricky pitch.
It took the 37-year-old’s season tally to a competition-high 38 wickets at an average of 23.92.
