Blues prove too strong for Redbacks

Scorecard

The Blues, who take on Victoria with a berth in Sunday's final against Queensland on the line, accumulated a competitive total of 8 for 252 off 42 overs, with further rain reducing the target to 248 off 41.

NSW allrounder Sean Abbott turned in a man of the match performance, adding 3-32 off six overs to his quickfire knock of 50 with the bat.

Test off-spinner Nathan Lyon (3-64) also bowled well for NSW collecting three top-order wickets, although some late hitting blew out his figures.

Tom Cooper was the only South Australian batsman to shine, with the in-form No.3 hitting 73 at better than a run-a-ball.

When Lyon trapped him LBW the Redbacks were reeling at 4-113, and with the required run-rate always rising they were eventually dismissed with 6.1 overs remaining.

Earlier, Australian representative Nic Maddinson hit a rapid-fire 75 off 74 balls to top-score for NSW.

Test opener David Warner looked on track to repeat his recent red-hot form which had reaped successive centuries over the past week, only to miss-hit a big shot and fall for 32 off 23 balls.

Forced from the field in the 33rd over and teetering at 6-173, NSW profited from a seventh-wicket partnership of 81 between Abbott and Steve O'Keefe.

South Australian quick Joe Mennie claimed 4-58, while captain Johan Botha chipped in with 2-29 including the important wicket of Maddinson.

Abbott said NSW were building momentum ahead of the upcoming finals.

"We have a bit more of a roll-on now, especially after we beat Victoria the other day," he said.

"We spoke in the pre-season about making winning a habit and I think we are starting to get that now.

"There are a lot of positives and if everyone is ready to go in the next match, I think we can put a very good performance on the board."