Jaques leads Blues' run-chase

New South Wales 292 and 3 for 129 (Jaques 78) need 96 more runs to beat Victoria 169 and 347 (Hussey 60, Arnberger 58, Nicholson 4-48)
Scorecard

Phil Jaques continued his run-glut with a fine 78 © Getty Images

Phil Jaques led New South Wales' quest for victory on the third day of their Pura Cup match against Victoria at Sydney. His 78 meant that the Blues ended the day on 3 for 129, needing a further 96 to clinch a win and keep alive their hopes of reaching the final.

Jaques hit ten fours and was largely untroubled in his 115-ball knock. He lost his opening partner, Greg Mail, early in the run-chase, but then put together a useful 65 for the second wicket with Matthew Phelps, whose contribution was a mere 11. Jaques was finally dismissed by Mick Lewis shortly before stumps, and later warned his team against complacency. "It's never in the bag," he said. "Especially with the element of reverse-swing on this wicket. It was starting to go towards the end of the day."

Matthew Nicholson collected four wickets as Victoria reached 347 in their second innings after late resistance from Shane Harwood (35) and Ian Harvey (30 not out) picked them up from 8 for 256. Nathan Bracken ended Harwood's career-best innings while Stuart MacGill added his third wicket by tea with the No. 11 Mathew Innes. The Blues, who are third, need Western Australia to lose or draw to play the Bulls at the Gabba.