New South Wales have posted back-to-back Ryobi One-Day Cup victories after defeating South Australia by 23 runs at the SCG on Friday.
Full Scorecard
New South Wales have posted back-to-back Ryobi One-Day Cup victories after defeating South Australia by 23 runs at the SCG on Friday.
Half-centuries to David Warner and Simon Katich helped the Blues to a competitive 8-261 before Mitchell Starc and Doug Bollinger claimed seven wickets between them to seal the win.
Some lusty late hitting from Dan Christian, who smashed 39 off 22 deliveries including four sixes and two fours, threatened to steal an unlikely victory after the Redbacks lost 4-41 midway through their pursuit.
But the Blues held firm to secure second spot on the ladder and avenge their loss to the Redbacks in the season opener.
Former NSW second XI player Adam Crosthwaite (72 off 104) top scored for the visitors, while Tom Cooper (48 off 71) also made a contribution after skipper Michael Klinger (seven) and Callum Ferguson (15) fell cheaply.
Crosthwaite and Cooper added 80 runs for the third wicket before Steve Smith (2-52) had Cooper caught at mid-off by Ben Rohrer.
It was the beginning of the end for the Redbacks as Cameron Borgas (18), Crosthwaite and Tim Ludeman (one) all fell in quick succession.
Christian's swashbuckling innings ended when he exposed his stumps and was clean bowled by Bollinger, who also removed Aaron O'Brien (seven), Kane Richardson (seven) and Gary Putland (two) to finish with figures of 4-62.
Starc bowled with pace and aggression to claim 3-54.
After winning the toss and electing to bat in sunny conditions, Warner struck 86 off 98 balls at the top of the order to lay a solid platform for the Blues.
It was a measured knock from the destructive left-hander, who chose his moments to attack in an innings that consisted of five fours and two sixes.
He added 108 runs for the second wicket with Steven Smith (39 off 53) before the Blues lost 5-53 in a mid-innings collapse to hand momentum back to the visitors.
Katich (61 off 62) survived the carnage and revived the Blues innings with a 54-run stand with O'Keefe (26 not out off 33).
Christian took 3-59 off 13 overs to finish the pick of the Redbacks bowlers, while Gary Putland (1-55) and Richardson (1-61) both produced stingy spells at the top of the innings.
