Bushrangers canter to victory over Bulls

Unconquered half-centuries from David Hussey and Liam Buchanan has led Victoria to a six wicket bonus-point win over Queensland in the ING Cup at the St Kilda Cricket Ground this afternoon.

Chasing just 186 to win, the Bushrangers made a slow start to their run chase, but in reality Queensland's score was never going to be enough, and the Victorians completed their run chase with 75 deliveries left with consummate ease.

The game attracted a large crowd which was mainly thanks to the star attractions with Matthew Hayden, Michael Kasprowicz and Shane Warne all taking part.

Jimmy Maher won the toss and elected to bat first on what seemed a good wicket, but it was the Victorians who were celebrating early as Peter Siddle claimed the vital scalps of Maher (1) and Hayden (3) being caught inside the first five overs.

James Hopes was joined by Clinton Perren at the crease, and the Bulls duo went about resurrecting the innings by making a slow, careful start before developing into their natural game.

The pair were looking in fine touch before Victorian captain Warne brought himself on, and the move paid immediate dividends as the champion leg-spinner had Perren caught for 27.

Hopes and Craig Philipson played well and continued on the rebuilding of the Queensland innings. Hopes was showing the form that has made him an Australian representative in recent times.

However, with the Bulls sitting at 3/116 they fell in a heap losing their last seven wickets for just 69 runs. As soon as Hopes departed for 57, the innings crumbled with Grant Lindsay snaring three scalps towards the end of the visitors innings.

Victoria started shakily with Michael Klinger falling for one inside the first over, as the pressure mounted. But Jon Moss and Lloyd Mash put together a valuable partnership of 51 to put the Bushrangers back on level terms.

But after the two quick wickets of Moss and Mash, the Bushrangers were shaking at 3/68. Enter Liam Buchanan, the 25 year-old who obliterated the Queensland bowling attack, hitting it to all parts of the ground in a whirlwind 51 from 44 balls which gave the Vics the edge.

A bonus point now seemed assured, and it was left for Hussey (50no) and Rummans (20no) to bring home the bacon as Victoria moved from sixth to third in the ING Cup table.

Next Sunday the Bushrangers travel to Bellerive Oval to take on bottom-placed Tasmania, whilst the Bulls have a week and a half off, before taking on Western Australia on December 22 at the Gabba.

Full scorecard available here.

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