Victoria close in on Shield win over South Australia

The Redbacks slumped to 3-49 at stumps on day three in pursuit of Victoria's target of 258.

After taking 5-28 in South Australia's first innings, O'Neill stepped up again to continue his breakout season.

The bustling quick dismissed Redbacks openers Henry Hunt and Jake Carder, as well as captain Jake Lehmann, to have the hosts reeling at 3-29.

Nathan McSweeney (14no) and Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey (11no) were able to guide South Australia to stumps and give them an outside chance of victory on Friday.

Earlier, one-Test batter Will Pucovski carved out his best score of the Shield season with a patient 65 in Victoria's second innings total of 231.

After having a 26-run first-innings lead, Victoria recovered from a disastrous start at 3-27 to grind their way towards a competitive total.

Campbell Kellaway (46) and Peter Handscomb (44) both made valuable contributions in the middle order to frustrate the Redbacks.

SA pacer Wes Agar finished with match figures of 8-97 after adding to his five-wicket haul in the first innings.

Nathan McAndrew was also dangerous for the Redbacks, claiming 4-50.

The result will be a crucial one as the match is the last for two months due to the upcoming start of the Big Bash League.

Both teams have managed two wins from their first five games, but a victory here would put them as high as third on the ladder.

Australian Associated Press