Victoria 264 for 6 (Short 81*, Harris 53, Kellaway 51, Hatcher 3-80) lead New South Wales 203 (Green 52, Henriques 29, Perry 4-24) by XX runs

Victoria batted with increasing confidence at Lavington Sports Ground to end the day at 264 for 6 in response to NSW's 203. Short ended the day unbeaten on 81, with wicketkeeper Sam Harper on 4 not out. Short came to the wicket with Victoria at 108 for 4, but struck nine boundaries in a watchful 150-ball knock. It was the fifth time in the past seven innings that Short has passed 50 at domestic level.

Starting the match in second spot on the table, Victoria are one of four sides hoping to join likely Shield final hosts Western Australia in the season decider. Bottom-placed NSW need a victory to avoid the longest winless streak in the state's history.