Pucovski's fine hundred put his team in control © Getty

Victoria vs Tasmania, Melbourne

Will Pucovski's unbeaten 131 headlined another day of dominance for Victoria, who left Tasmania with a mammoth target of 476 on Day 3 of the Sheffield Shield clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday (March 7). Having bowled out Tasmania for 286 in their first innings, the hosts scored at over 4.5 an over for their second innings score of 307 for 3 declared. In reply, the visitors were 27 for 0, still needing 449 for victory.

Starting the day at 234 for 8, Tasmania managed to finish with a total of 286 thanks to Sam Rainbird's 59 and his handy 67-run association with Gabe Bell, who batted for 62 deliveries for his fighting 15. The visitors, though, allowed the hosts to gain a sizeable lead of 168, with Scott Boland registering figures of 4 for 63 to bag the most wickets for his side in the first essay.

Victoria were 78 for 2 at one stage in their second innings before Pucovski's positive batting helped them extend their advantage. The 21-year-old scored at a strike rate of over 81 and was involved in century partnerships with Nic Maddinson and Cameron White, both of whom scored fifties, as the home team declared their innings shortly after crossing the 300 mark.

Alex Doolan and Jordan Silk saw through a tricky 11-over period before Stumps to emerge unscathed but Tasmania have an uphill task on Day 4 if they are to prevent table-toppers Victoria from recording their fifth win of the season.

Brief scores: Victoria 454 & 307/3 decl. (Will Pucovski 131*, Nic Maddinson 61, Cameron White 52*; Riley Meredith 1-30) lead Tasmania 286 (Matthew Wade 86, Sam Rainbird 59; Scott Boland 4-63) & 27/0 (Alex Doolan 12*) by 448 runs.