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Underdog status sits well with Bulls

Queensland buoyed by upset win over strong Bushrangers XI

Queensland are more than happy to embrace their underdog status in a tournament full of international stars after Friday’s shock victory over Victoria in the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup.

The Bulls entered the clash at Blacktown International Sportspark with Joe Burns as the only player to don the Baggy Green, while the Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers line-up was considered so strong that they had 60 Tests worth of experience - between Peter Siddle, Rob Quiney and Clint McKay - unable to break into the XI.

Quick single: Queensland cling on for gutsy win

The myFootDr Queensland Bulls defeated their more-fancied rivals by 29 runs to earn their first points of the three-week event in Sydney and stand-in skipper Peter Forrest says his side isn’t intimidated by the reputations of their rivals.

"(Queenslanders) love being the underdog and taking down the big teams,” the NSW-born Forrest told media after play.

"We know it's a challenging tournament, but as a player it's exciting.

"We've got a great opportunity to play against some of the best players in the world.

"We look forward to the challenge, we never take a backward step when we play anyone.

"In saying that, we respect the opposition. To come up against NSW with most of the Test players in there will be a great challenge for us and this Victorian side tonight is star-studded as well.

"We're pretty happy to knock those guys off because they're exceptional players.”

Watch: Forrest stands tall for Bulls (restrictions apply)

It was an impressive effort by Queensland to bounce back following Monday’s capitulation against Tasmania that saw their meagre total of 196 chased down in just 36 overs with nine wickets in hand.

The victory ensures the Bulls remain in the race for a coveted top-three finish – a race now wide open after unexpected defeats to Victoria and the Alcohol.Think Again Western Warriors early in the tournament.

Quick single: Wade laments batting collapse

On Sunday they will face a West End Redbacks side coming off a heavy defeat against NSW, but Forrest concedes they will still need to find significant improvement to have any chance of pushing for a finals berth.

“I'm happy with how we bowled,” said Forrest. “I'd still like us to be better with the bat.

“In the tournament format, we're starting to build some momentum now and hopefully we can keep that going.

“If we address our batting and put some consistent big scores on the board, I'm sure our bowling will take care of itself.

“That's the only improvement I'd like to see.”

Watch: Marnus Labuschagne out twice to the one delivery (restrictions apply)

While the Bulls are seemingly happy to do things the hard way if needed, they will welcome back some class with full-time skipper Usman Khawaja set for a return later next week after suffering a mild hamstring injury last month.