Blues open season in style

New South Wales have opened the ING Cup for 2005-06 with a crushing 144-run double bonus-point victory against Queensland at the Gabba this evening.

Set a modest 244 to win under lights, the Bulls' top order had no answer to fiery spells by Doug Bollinger (4-31) and Nathan Bracken (4-15).

Bracken collecting the final two scalps of the innings in consecutive balls - the Bulls knocked over for a measly 99 in the 33rd over - their third lowest score in One Day Domestic history.

While there is a general consensus that Australian captain Ricky Ponting is one of the worst captains in his decision making after winning the toss, Queensland captain Jimmy Maher did his best to emulate him.

On a flat track, Maher opted to bowl first, which was greeted with inside delight by New South Wales captain Brad Haddin, knowing the Bulls would have to chase under lights.

Openers Phil Jaques and Ed Cowan thrived in the conditions early on, bringing the 50 up in the 11th over, before Cowan (24 from 28) was bowled by emerging fast bowler Mitchell Johnson.

Jaques followed him nine runs and 28 balls later at 2-59, attempting a quick single in close during the second power play - Andy Bichel picking up and making a direct hit.

With New South Wales immediately on the back-foot and returning to the state team after a lengthy departure, Corey Richards went about asserting his authority with Brad Haddin at the crease.

In a somewhat strange innings, Richards scored a leisurely 22 from 44 balls, which included two towering sixes. Haddin (27 from 33) and Richards fell in quick succession after their steadying 54-run stand - the Blues 4-126 in the 29th over.

Quick fire innings by Dom Thornely (51 from 60) and Aaron O'Brien (50no from 56 balls) helped lift the New South Wales total to a respectable 7-243 from their 50 overs.

James Hopes was the standout bowler with 2-30 from 10 overs, while Andy Bichel (2-45 from 10) was the only other multiple wicket-taker.

In reply, Queensland made a sluggish start, losing opener James Hopes for seven and Andrew Symonds (one) as they slumped to 2-23, before Maher (34 from 40) and Clinton Perren (eight) took the score along to 2-50.

However, enter big Doug Bollinger and the Bulls struggled against the tall and somewhat awkward pace bowler.

Maher, Bichel (eight), Nash (four) and Reardon (four) all fell to the burly quick, as Queensland lost 6-30 to slump to 8-80 in the 26th over.

Bracken wrapped up the match with the final two wickets - Queensland restricted to less than 100 runs in an ING Cup match for the first time in over a decade.

New South Wales return south to the SCG where they face South Australia in the first round of the Pura Cup beginning on October 25, while the Bulls face Tasmania at the Gabba in their four-day clash commencing this Monday

Full scorecard available here.

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