Cricket

Patterson century puts NSW firmly in control

Feb 7, 2026

Kurtis Patterson of the Blues — Kurtis Patterson hit a career-high 173 no for NSW in their Sheild match against SA. -AAP Image

Kurtis Patterson's unbeaten century has put NSW in a commanding position after the hosts set South Australia a massive victory target in their Sheffield Shield clash at the SCG.

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Patterson notched a career-best first-class score of 173 no in a NSW total of 8-440 (dec) on Saturday, leaving the visitors needing 446 to win.

In response, SA reached 1-61 by stumps after losing Henry Hunt for 12, out caught off Jack Edwards (1-11).

Fellow opener Mackenzie Harvey (21) and captain Nathan McSweeney (16) are unbeaten and will resume the run chase on the final day on Sunday.

NSW No.3 Patterson, who was out for just six in the first innings, survived 302 deliveries in the second dig, whacking 14 boundaries and a six in his match-defining innings.

Edwards (61) and tailenders Tanveer Sangha (53) and Liam Hatcher (36 no) all provided valuable support.

Patterson put on triple-figure partnerships with Edwards (106) and Sangha (130) for the fifth and eighth wickets respectively.

Nathan McAndrew (3-68) and Brendan Doggett (3-75) were SA's best bowlers but were unable to prevent the match being taken away from their side.

A win for fourth-placed NSW would see them leapfrog SA, and possibly Queensland, in a tight race for a spot in the Shield final.