Victoria and Queensland have experienced contrasting starts to the tournament, but will both have high hopes of claiming a win when they meet at Blacktown International Sportspark. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 1:45pm (AEDT).
Having finished second on the table last year, as well as winning the previous two Cups, Queensland would have been very optimistic about their prospects for this year’s competition.
But in their opening fixture Tasmania dismantled Queensland for 196. Batting at North Sydney Oval, traditionally a batsman’s paradise, Queensland’s top order folded to 6 for 58. Their four highest scorers batted at seven or lower.
Victoria will feel well equipped to expose Queensland’s top order once more, with James Pattinson, John Hastings and Scott Boland forming one of the tournament’s best pace attacks. Pattinson in particular was impressive against the Cricket Australia XI in the Bushrangers’ first game, taking 4 for 18 from his 10 overs.
Victoria ensured it was the Cricket Australia’s second drubbing in three days as they cleaned up their opposition for just 79. When New South Wales played the Cricket Australia XI they broke the record for the largest margin of victory by runs in an Australian one-day match and Victoria, not to be out done, chased done the minuscule total with a record 233 deliveries to spare.
While there is only so much that can be read into a run chase of 79, Aaron Finch’s unbeaten 30 ball 45 puts the destructive opener in good stead for a strong tournament. His wicket will certainly be a valued scalp for the Queensland bowlers, who failed to contain Tasmania’s similarly destructive opener Ben Dunk, whose hundred on Monday allowed his side to chase down Queensland’s modest total in just 36 overs.
With several young players in their squad, partly due to the absence of Chris Lynn and Usman Khawaja, Queensland need their experienced players to restore confidence. Their captain, James Hopes, certainly offers experience with over 200 list A games, but they also require a more substantial contribution from Ben Cutting. While he failed when promoted to six in the batting, Cutting took seven wickets over the two games between Queensland and Victoria last year and will hope for a similar impact.
Queensland won both those matches last year, as a strong Victorian squad ultimately underperformed. However, Victoria regrouped to win the Sheffield Shield, giving a more accurate representation of the side’s strength.
While their opposing starts will make Victoria favourites for this match, it is worth remembering that Queensland were nowhere near their best, and have a lot to offer this tournament.
JoM
Roar Rookie
Day/night would be fine on a weekend but definitely not a Friday or any other day during the week. It isn't that far to travel, but sitting on the M4 in peak hour after work on a Friday especially is a no no unless you live out that way. Maybe Drummoyne would have been better for during the week as at least people could come in easily after work and not have to sit on the M4 carpark.
Craig Swanson
Guest
Wade and Pattinson made it interesting. Felt sure it was the Bulls match once The Bear went though. CA will have to re explore their decision to hold day/nite games at this venue. Great looking ground and surface, but no atmosphere as they have no spectator facilities to cater for a decent crowd. They also need to leave some grass on the deck to make scoring easier. Speaking of a crowd were was it? Peter Hanscomb said he was getting lonely on the boundary as there was no one in the crowd to talk to. This really is no laughing matter CA and Cricket NSW. Build some facilities in time for next years cup.
Tana Mir
Roar Rookie
Where is Khawaja? I'm currently in U.S, little out of touch. Is he injured? Haven't seen anything in news either.
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
James Pattinson is man of the match for a fantastic all-round. He took 4/53 and made 44.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Go you good things
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
Final score QLD: 209 VIC: 180 (41)
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
Not many runs today but a thrilling game nonetheless. Queensland didn't seem to make enough with 209, but looking back that partnership between Reardon and Forrest was the difference. Victoria started awfully in the run chase and found themselves at 7/79. Wade and Pattinson played brave innings to make the improbable look possible, but in the end Victoria's top order simply didn't do enough. Now both these sides have one win from two games.
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
WICKET Holland caught mid off 11 That's it, Cutting takes the final wicket at the end of a good over where he offered Holland very little. Holland decided to go over the field but didn't clear Hemphrey's who takes the catch at mid-off to amend his earlier drop.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Nail bitting
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
Over 41 Wd,.,.,.,.,.W Victoria: 9/180 Chasing (210) Holland: 11 Boland: 3
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
Pattinson and Wade's attacking batting means the required run rate is low, but a 30 partnership is a massive ask of the last two batters.
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
Over 40 W,1,1,2,.,. Victoria: 8/179 Chasing (210) Holland: 11 Boland: 3 It isn't often the number nine batter is a big wicket but today Pattinson certainly was. Neser's decision to trial the bouncer was a good one and QLD will now look to wrap it up. Cutting is back into the attack.
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
WICKET Pattinson 44 caught behind Neser bowls the first bouncer that has been bowled in a long time. It wasn't express, in fact Pattinson probably made the right choice by trying to lift it over third man, he simply got the timing wrong and Neser go the edge, an easy catch for Hartley. It was an incredible innings from Pattinson but he'll wonder what could have been. Boalnd is the last man in, not the worst number 11.
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
Over 39 3,2,1,.,1,. Victoria: 8/175 Chasing (210) Holland: 10 Pattinson: 44 Boyce has dragged a few down today but it looks like Forrest will persist with just 5 bowlers, there aren't that many other options for him. Pattinson is playing a brilliant innings here.
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
Over 38 4,.,.,wd,.,1,. Victoria: 8/168 Chasing (210) Holland: 7 Pattinson: 40 Neser losing his rhythm a tad there. A wide a couple of half-volleys and a big full toss to finish up, might be time for Forrest to give him a rest as victory is now possible for VIC.
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
Holland almost run out not grounding his bat, luckily for him the throw missed.
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
Over 37 .,1,1,1,.,3 Victoria: 8/162 Chasing (210) Holland: 7 Pattinson: 35 Boyce asking a few questions in that over but also dropped a couple short. Pattinson's aerial cover drive off the last delivery almost offered a catch, Holland is batting well in support.
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
Over 36 .,.,.,4,2,2 Victoria: 8/156 Chasing (210) Holland: 5 Pattinson: 31 Eight off the over, a bit harsh on Neser who almost had Pattinson out twice. But now on 31 Pattinson is making a game out of this, could be a very interesting finish if he continues. Boyce is back on.
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
DROPPED straight through Hopes's hands and to the cover boundary, Pattinson keeps attacking.
Klaus Nannestad
Roar Guru
Big Appeal for LBW against Pattinson, it seemed to have just pitched outside leg.