NSW keep title hopes alive with big win

New South Wales have revived their Sheffield Shield final hopes after easing to an eight-wicket win over South Australia on the final morning of their match at the SCG.

Set just 100 to win, NSW mowed down the victory target off just 13 overs to leapfrog the Redbacks into second on the ladder with a round remaining.

Ed Cowan continued his fine form with 48 not out off 39 balls, while Kurtis Patterson made a run-a-ball 33 not out.

SA enjoyed a perfect start in their attempt to defend the modest total as Daniel Worrall bowled Daniel Hughes with the first ball of the NSW innings.

Nic Maddinson sought to push the scoring along, but was caught off the bowling of Adam Zampa in trying to hit a third straight six in as many balls for 18.

Resuming at 5-228, South Australia were bowled out for 304 in the morning session.

The turning point of the day was the bizarre dismissal of South Australia's last remaining recognised batsman Tom Cooper (14), who was stumped off the bowling of fast bowler Trent Copeland.

Cooper's stumps were thrown down from a distance by wicketkeeper Peter Nevill with the SA No.6 crucially dropping his bat as he reached back to make his ground.

Returning fast bowler Pat Cummins took two further wickets to improve on his first innings career-best of 4-57 by claiming 4-47.

Teams

NSW: Daniel Hughes, Ed Cowan, Kurtis Patterson, Nic Maddinson, Moises Henriques (c), Peter Nevill, Trent Copeland, Pat Cummins, Will Somerville, Mason Crane, Doug Bollinger, Sean Abbott (12th man)

South Australia: Jake Weatherald, Sam Raphael, Travis Head (c), Callum Ferguson, Jake Lehmann, Tom Cooper, Alex Carey, Kane Richardson, Chadd Sayers, Adam Zampa, Daniel Worrall, Tom Andrews (12th man)