New South Wales will get their first opportunity to bounce back from Sunday's record-breaking loss to Victoria when they travel to the Gabba on Wednesday to take on Queensland in a Ryobi Cup day-nighter.
The Blues were on the wrong end of the biggest run chase in Australian domestic cricket history as the Bushrangers, steered by blistering hundreds from Aaron Finch and David Hussey, hauled down their total of 350 with 20 balls to spare.
An even and free-wheeling contribution from NSW's top order - led by Steve Smith (92), Scott Henry (61) and Sean Abbott (40) - looked certain to set the hosts up for a comfortable win at the picturesque North Sydney Oval.
But when the Vics took the willow, the Blues' pace attack was torn to shreds.
Boom quick Josh Hazlewood (1-75), Doug Bollinger (0-58), Steve O'Keefe (0-51) and Abbott (0-67) were all set upon by Finch and Hussey's relentless partnership and shown zero mercy.
Their chance for redemption comes in Brisbane against a Queensland side that last week snapped a six-match losing streak in 50-over cricket.
After dropping their first two Ryobi Cup games of the season, the Bulls trumped Tasmania by five wickets thanks to a successful run chase of 276 that came down to the final over.
Test aspirant Usman Khawaja continued his fine form with a terrific knock of 78 while Nathan Reardon (71 not out) smashed eight fours and three sixes.
Gold Coast product Alister McDermott took 3-65 with the ball, while Nathan Hauritz (3-53) and Scott Walter (2-52) also did damage.
However, Walter will not face NSW on Wednesday - he is the only change made by Queensland and will be replaced by Sunshine Coast paceman Matthew Gale, who will make his first appearance for the Bulls this season.
The Blues are also making one change with 12th man against Victoria, leg-spinner Adam Zampa, swapping out for left-arm quick Josh Lalor.
Both sides are on four points on the Ryobi Cup ladder but Queensland sits last, having played one more game than NSW and with a lower net run rate.
They last did battle on the eve of the first Test of the summer in Brisbane, when NSW's Shane Watson injured his calf while bowling at Allan Border Field.
The Bulls took the points in that one with a six-wicket win that saw Khawaja once again star against his former state.
First Posted 20 November, 2012 5:00PM AEST
