Sheffield Shield final permutations explained

WHO WILL PLAY SOUTH AUSTRALIA IN THE SHEFFIELD SHIELD FINAL?

* Going into this week's last round of games, SA held a commanding lead on the Shield ladder and were already confirmed to host the March 24-28 final at Adelaide's Karen Rolton Oval

* QUEENSLAND

Started the last round in second place, but only on points (second to fifth all had three wins). Looked nearly out of contention after day two against SA and then picked up a crucial batting bonus point on Monday. Will now make the final if they draw with SA, provided no win for WA or NSW.

* NSW

Started the last round third, but at tea on day three at Bellerive trailed Tasmania by 454 runs and will need a final-day miracle to win and leapfrog Queensland into the final.

* WA

In fourth place, but will snatch second from Queensland if they beat Victoria at the WACA and NSW are unable to beat Tasmania (assuming the SA-Queensland game is a draw).

* VICTORIA

Second-last and were in the hunt to reach the final before Queensland's batting bonus point on Monday. Given SA has no incentive to force a result against Queensland, Victoria are now essentially playing the role of spoilers for WA by trying to beat them or keep them to a draw

* TASMANIA

The one team out of contention for the final going into the last round. Dominating their game against NSW

TABLE BEFORE THE LAST ROUND

(six points for a win, one point for a draw)

1. SA 51.76 points

2. Queensland 36.8

3. NSW 35.39

4. WA 34.43

5. Victoria 32.49

6. Tasmania 27.61