Tigers fight for survival as Lehmann sets huge target

Scorecard
Pura Cup points tableTasmania’s match-saving mission suffered two batting blows on the third day after they were offered an unlikely 563 for victory by Darren Lehmann. The Tigers, who finished at 2 for 118, lost their captain Michael Di Venuto and David Dawson in their second innings and will rely on Michael Bevan (34) and Travis Birt (16) for a strong start on the final day.Lehmann refused to enforce the follow-on when Tasmania were dismissed for 212, Shaun Tait collecting 4 for 56 in an impressive return to the first-class arena. Tait, who injured his shoulder playing club cricket after the Ashes tour, was on a hat-trick with his first ball of the second innings after dismissing Adam Griffith and Ben Hilfenhaus to secure first-innings points. Sean Clingeleffer, the wicketkeeper, was the stand-out visiting batsman with 64 before he edged Tait to Graham Manou.Mark Cosgrove narrowly missed a brutal century in a session – his 89 came from 77 balls with nine fours and two sixes – and Lehmann added a 51-ball 58 to his first-innings 182 to set up the declaration at tea. Hilfenhaus picked up three wickets as the bowlers suffered against an order intent on quick runs.