Sam Konstas Shines with Century on Day 1 of Sheffield Shield Match

Australian cricketer Sam Konstas made headlines with a stunning century on the first day of the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland. His performance, which included a partnership of 112 runs with Matthew Gilkes, marked his first century in over a year. Konstas scored 116 runs, contributing significantly to New South Wales' total of 313/4 at stumps. This article delves into his remarkable innings and the match's highlights, showcasing the talent of this promising player.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 6, 2025, 02:18 IST

Konstas' Remarkable Performance

On December 5, at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australian opener Sam Konstas delivered an impressive century during the first day of the Sheffield Shield 2025-26 clash between New South Wales and Queensland, according to reports from Wisden. This marked Konstas' first Sheffield Shield century in over 14 months.

Despite not being included in the Australian Test squad for the initial two matches against England in the ongoing Ashes series, Konstas formed a solid opening partnership of 112 runs with Matthew Gilkes for New South Wales.

Gilkes contributed 55 runs before being dismissed by Queensland's Gurinder Sandhu. Meanwhile, Konstas reached his half-century and continued to build on it, ultimately scoring his century off 161 balls.

The right-handed batsman also collaborated with Kurtis Patterson to create a remarkable 130-run partnership for the second wicket.

Konstas was eventually caught and bowled by Queensland's Tom Whitney, finishing his innings with 116 runs, which included nine boundaries and a six.

This century was his first in first-class cricket since he scored 109 runs off 144 balls against India A during Australia A's tour of India in September.

Additionally, this was Konstas' first Shield century since he achieved twin hundreds against South Australia in October 2024, in only his fifth first-class match.

In the current Sheffield Shield season, Konstas has emerged as the leading scorer for New South Wales, amassing 339 runs in 11 innings at an average of 57.36, which includes one century and one fifty.

Thanks to Konstas' outstanding century, New South Wales concluded Day 1 with a score of 313/4 in 90 overs against Queensland. At stumps, Lachlan Shaw was not out on 25 off 82 balls, while captain Jack Edwards remained unbeaten on 31 off 59 deliveries.

Matthew Gilkes (55 off 82 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes) and Kurtis Patterson (63 off 106 balls, supported by seven fours) also played vital roles with their half-centuries.

For Queensland, the wicket-takers included Gurinder Sandhu (1/56), Tom Straker (1/39), Tom Whitney (1/50), and Sam Geyer (1/60).