The hosts started the final day at 3-42 – 459 runs in arrears – but Chadd Sayers (4-41) and Daniel Worrall (4-59) were instrumental as Tasmania were bowled out for 199.

Nick Benton got the ball rolling for SA, dismissing Jake Doran for 50, before Sayers removed George Bailey (37) and Beau Webster (59) to set the visitors on the path to victory.

“We were trying to stay patient – we knew if we got Bailey we’d knock them over,” South Australia coach Jamie Siddons said.

“We needed to win this one … it was a key with the other teams getting outrights.

“We’re in a good position but we’re just trying to play good cricket and get some results off the back of that.”

South Australia set up their victory in the first innings, thanks to double centuries from player of the match Callum Ferguson (213) and Jake Lehmann (205) as they declared at 7-600 after losing the toss and being sent in.

Ben Dunk (115) and Bailey (112) made centuries as Tasmania were bowled out for 284 in reply, with Benton (3-45) the best of the South Australian bowlers.

Alex Ross was the top scorer for the Redbacks in their second innings where they were bowled out for 185 to set Tasmania the mammoth target of 502, with Jackson Bird (5-69) and Sam Rainbird (4-50) among the wickets.

“It was obviously set up by a horrendous day one – we chased our tails ever since,” Tasmania coach Dan Marsh said.

“If we’re going to dish that up on day one we’re not going to win many games of cricket.”

Tasmania are anchored to the bottom of the Shield ladder after four rounds with just one win.

“We’re not putting it all together as a team and some of the guys need to start performing if they want to continue to play at this level,” Marsh warned.

“I’m not saying it’s easy but if you want to have long careers you’ve got to perform week in, week out.”

AAP