Usman Khawaja fails in Sheffield Shield final ahead of WTC 2025 final, falls for 2 after 2 dropped catches; watch video

Australia's veteran opener Usman Khawaja was fidgety in his approach in the Sheffield Shield final's Day 1 on March 26. Against South Australia's new ball bowlers Brendan Doggett and Nathan McAndrew, he struggled and dismissed cheaply in the first session of play at Adelaide Oval.

Khawaja was embroiled in controversy before the final as he went to watch Australian Formula One Grand Prix after opting out of Queensland's game due to hamstring injury. The southpaw had a point to prove but looked clueless as there was much assistance for pacers.

On the third ball of the first over bowled by Nathan McAndrew, Khawaja edged one to second slip fielder Ben Manenti who dropped the catch. In the seventh over, McAndrew created another chance but the first slip fielder made a mess of it. 

However, Khawaja could score just two runs before the first ball of the 10th over by Doggett dismissed him. His eyes lit up on seeing the short ball and went for the pull shot. He could not time it well and McAndrew covered some distance at fine leg to take his catch. The opener played 28 balls during his troubled stay at the crease. 

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Queensland suffer batting collapse

Queensland suffered a collapse as big names failed. Skipper Marnus Labuschagne fell to McAndrew for a four-ball duck in the 11th over. Jack Clayton was run out for a golden duck by Liam Scott's direct hit. Doggett in his first spell dismissed Angus Lovell as well. Lovell edged one to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. In the 15th over, Ben McDermott was caught and bowled by Jordan Buckingham. Queensland lost half the side for 22 runs. 

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Neser's counter-attack, Doggett's six-wicket haul

Michael Neser launched a counter-attack whike Jimmy Peirson held on to one end. They shared a 46-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Doggett broke the partnership in the 28th over with Peirson's wicket. He scored 13 runs from 48 balls. In his next over, he dismissed Neser as well. The all-rounder scored 34 runs from 37 balls including six fours. Jack Wildermuth (11) and Mark Steketee (12) added valuable runs before returning to the pavillion. Doggett took six wickets as Queensland were bowled out for 95 after McSweeney won the toss and opted to bowl first.