Bartlett, Sandhu Rip Through Victoria Under Gabba Lights in Pink-Ball Thriller

Queensland’s pace duo Xavier Bartlett and Gurinder Sandhu delivered standout all-round performances to hand previously unbeaten Victoria a seven-wicket defeat in a dramatic day-night Sheffield Shield clash at the Gabba.

Bartlett starred with a career-best 72 off 91 balls, a bold counterattacking knock featuring seven fours and a towering six. He then backed it up with a destructive spell of 4 for 35, showcasing the swing and seam that have elevated him to national contention.

Player of the Match Sandhu was equally influential. After contributing 33 in a valuable 69-run eighth-wicket partnership with Bartlett, the seasoned seamer produced a devastating burst under the lights, taking 5 for 23, including a remarkable triple-wicket maiden that removed Matt Short, Fergus O’Neill and Will Sutherland.

Queensland resumed day three on 352 for 7 before a storm halted play, eventually finishing on 430 to secure a 112-run first-innings lead. Victoria appeared steady at 114 for 4, but Bartlett and Sandhu triggered a collapse of six wickets for just 29 runs, skittling them for 143.

The contest stretched deep into the night after rain delays and an extended final session, with Queensland losing three quick wickets before clinching victory at 10.46pm AEST—one of the latest finishes at the Gabba in two decades.

Bartlett praised Sandhu’s composure and skill after the match.

“He’s a seasoned campaigner and knows how to keep his cool,” Bartlett said. “The triple-wicket maiden was unbelievable. I love bowling with him—he creates pressure and makes my job easier.”

Bartlett’s batting continues to impress, following a half-century against Western Australia. His contributions at No. 7 have been strengthened by club cricket success with Gold Coast, where he has scored multiple centuries.

With the ball, he struck early by removing Campbell Kellaway and trapping Peter Handscomb with a late-swinging beauty. Sandhu then dismantled Victoria’s top order in the twilight session, where batting proved treacherous. Marcus Harris crawled to 2 from 47 balls before falling for 14 as Sandhu’s relentless accuracy paid off.

The win cements Queensland’s strong position in the Shield standings while highlighting the growing all-round credentials of Bartlett and the enduring potency of Sandhu’s pink-ball prowess.