New South Wales and Queensland played out a high-scoring draw at the Gabba in Brisbane from October 28-31, 2025. After rain washed out the entire first day, Steven Smith and Kurtis Patterson led NSW to a massive 429 for 7 declared in their first innings. Queensland responded strongly with Jack Clayton’s century helping them reach 347 for 8 declared. In their second innings, NSW finished on 79 for 1 as both teams agreed to a draw with no result possible.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo Full Scorecard, ESPNcricinfo Match Reports
Match Scorecard
| Team | First Innings | Second Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 429/7d (116.5 overs) | 79/1 (27 overs) | Match Drawn |
| Queensland | 347/8d (106 overs) | Did not bat | Match Drawn |
Source: ESPNcricinfo Scorecard
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kurtis Patterson | NSW | Batsman | 122 runs (261 balls, 14 fours) – Player of the Match |
| Steven Smith | NSW | Batsman | 118 runs (176 balls, 20 fours, 1 six) |
| Jack Clayton | Queensland | Batsman | 113 runs (236 balls, 10 fours, 1 six) |
| Usman Khawaja | Queensland | Batsman | 87 runs (127 balls, 12 fours) |
| William Salzmann | NSW | Opening Batsman | 65 runs (85 balls, 11 fours) |
| Hayden Kerr | Queensland | All-rounder | 57* runs (84 balls) + 2 wickets |
| Daniel Hatcher | NSW | Bowler | 3 wickets for 42 runs |
Source: ESPNcricinfo Full Scorecard
Key Moments
- Day 1 Washout: Rain washed out the entire opening day’s play at the Gabba, reducing the match to effectively three days
- Smith’s Return: Steven Smith looked in outstanding form after six weeks away from cricket, scoring 118 runs in his first innings of the season to send a warning to England ahead of the Ashes
- Patterson’s Century: Kurtis Patterson compiled a patient 122 from 261 balls, earning Player of the Match honors for his solid innings
- Smith-Patterson Partnership: The pair put on a massive 202-run stand for the third wicket, taking the game away from Queensland
- Salzmann’s Opening Role: Young opener William Salzmann impressed with 65 runs batting at the top of the order
- Clayton’s Response: Jack Clayton’s fighting century (113 runs) ensured Queensland would not have to follow on and kept them in the contest
- Khawaja’s Form: Usman Khawaja scored his best innings of the season with 87 runs, showing good touch just three weeks before the Ashes series
- Early Draw Agreement: With no result possible after time lost to rain, both teams agreed to a draw on the final day with NSW on 79 for 1
Match Analysis
This match will be remembered for the batting performances rather than the result. Steven Smith’s return to form after a break was the headline story. Fresh from six weeks in New York where he didn’t touch a bat, the former captain looked comfortable at the crease, scoring 118 runs with 20 boundaries. His performance sends a strong message to England ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.
Kurtis Patterson provided the perfect support with his own century, showing patience and skill during his 122-run knock. Together, their 202-run partnership put NSW in complete control of the match.
For Queensland, the loss of the first day to rain made a result unlikely. However, Jack Clayton’s century showed great character, and Usman Khawaja’s 87 was his best score of the season. The veteran opener looked in good touch, which is promising for Australia ahead of the Ashes.
Young opener Will Salzmann caught attention with his aggressive 65 at the top of the order for NSW, while Sam Konstas struggled again, scoring just 10 and 41 in his two innings.
The pitch at the Gabba offered little assistance to bowlers, with only Daniel Hatcher taking three wickets for NSW. The match ultimately ended in a draw, which was the expected outcome once an entire day was lost to weather.
What’s Next?
Both teams will now turn their attention to the next round of Sheffield Shield matches. For the Australian players involved, including Smith, Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne, these performances will be closely watched by national selectors as the Ashes series approaches. The first Test against England is scheduled for Perth in late November 2025.
NSW’s strong batting display shows they remain one of the top teams in the Shield competition. Queensland will be pleased with their fightback but will want to improve their bowling performance in future matches.