South Australia struck twice late on day four to snatch the momentum from Victoria in the Sheffield Shield final.
Set 196 to win its first Shield title since the 2018/19 season, Victoria was 5-102 at stumps on Sunday at Melbourne’s Junction Oval.
Nightwatchmen Todd Murphy and Mitch Perry were yet to score.
Victoria had recovered from a shaky start to be 3-102 close to stumps when it lost crucial wickets in successive overs.
Henry Thornton had Peter Handscomb caught behind for 28, ending a 67-run stand between the former Test batter and Marcus Harris, which looked as though it could decide the final.
Harris was then caught by Ben Manenti at second slip off Liam Scott for 35, leaving Victoria in strife again at 5-102.
Earlier, a quick kill looked possible for Victoria when Scott Boland was bowling for a hat-trick and South Australia had slumped to 7-122 — only 59 runs ahead — after resuming at 5-94.
Alex Carey hit 103 to rescue South Australia in its second innings. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)
But Alex Carey and Nathan McAndrew fought back to ensure the final would go into day five.
They put on 105 for the eighth wicket before McAndrew was dismissed for 60, while Carey was the last out for 103 as South Australia reached 258.
Carey hit six fours and a six in his commanding 168-ball knock.
McAndrew continued his heroics at the start of Victoria’s run chase, claiming wickets in successive overs.
The home side was in early strife at 3-35, before Handscomb and Harris combined for their significant partnership.
South Australia must win the to successfully defend its title.
AAP