NSW start Matador Cup campaign in emphatic style against new Cricket Australia XI
Aussie stars lead Blues to record win
It had all the hallmarks of a David and Goliath contest, but this time the giant won as New South Wales' Test stars comfortably outgunned an inexperienced Cricket Australia XI with a record 279-run win on Monday.
Australian captain Steve Smith led the way for the Blues, cracking an unbeaten 143 for his highest domestic one-day cup score to help his side to a hefty tally of 3-338 at Bankstown Oval in Sydney.
Highlights of Smith's undefeated century (no audio)
Test fast bowler Mitchell Starc then backed up his skipper with his own competition career-best figures of 6-25.
Having survived a chance on 87, Smith let loose after reaching his ton, cracking a total of five sixes, including one off the final ball of the innings.
Smith's innings overshadowed a solid century from NSW opener Nic Maddinson, who hit 108 off 120 balls.
"It was a very pleasing victory, but we have had five or six pre-season games in the last month so there wasn't really an excuse not to come out and be ready," said Maddinson.
"Now it is about growing each game and peaking towards the back end of the tournament."
Smith was struck on the wrist late in the innings by a Matthew Dixon beamer, but the No.3 was able to continue following a short delay.
Moises Henriques (48 off 42) joined Smith following the departure of Maddinson and the pair combined for a quickfire partnership of 112.
Watch: Highlights of Nic Maddinson's century (no audio)
The CA XI - a team formed largely of young players who missed state selection - were bowled out for just 59 in the 25th over.
They slipped to 5-16 after nine overs and needed a gritty 23 not out by Alex Gregory to avoid complete embarrassment.
The margin of defeat surpassed the previous domestic record of 219 runs set when Western Australia beat Tasmania in 1998.
"These kids are a lot better than that, and they know they're a lot better than that," said CA XI coach Troy Cooley.
"They've just got to come back mentally to be ready to come up against another strong team on Wednesday (against Victoria)."