Former Test batsman Simon Katich made an impressive return to Australian domestic cricket, but his well-compiled 67 was to little avail as Western Australia slumped to a 59-run defeat against Victoria at North Sydney Oval on Tuesday.
Bushrangers too good for winless Warriors
Scorecard
Batting at No.5, Katich faced a near-impossible task trying to hunt down Victoria's season-high tally of 8-331.
The 38-year-old eventually fell trying to force the run rate, having top-scored for the West Australians after hitting seven fours and two sixes off 58 balls.
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"I had a big buzz this morning knowing I was playing again here in Australia," said Katich, who retired from Australian first-class and one-day cricket after the 2011/12 season.
"It was like I was playing my first game again. I had a lot of fun.
"I have been playing cricket for the last six months, aside from the past two weeks, so it was good to have that confidence and try and get out there today and make some runs."
WA's loss to the competition leaders all but extinguished their hopes of winning the condensed one-day tournament.
Victoria dominated from the outset and in-form batsman Cameron White once again staked his claim for a recall to the Australian side with a fourth successive half-century, thumping a quick-fire 76 off just 50 balls, including six sixes.
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Several players made strong contributions for the Vics with captain Matthew Wade striking 74 off 82 balls, while Marcus Stoinis also made a half-century (63) as Western Australia's attack struggled against some aggressive Victorian batting.
In response, the West Australians made a solid but unspectacular start and reached 1-90, only for a steady stream of wickets to further slow their progress.
Former Test batsman Shaun Marsh, making his first start of the season following a hamstring injury, looked set for a big score only to unluckily be given out lbw for 47 off 56 balls faced.
Spinner Jon Holland took the bowling honours for Victoria, claiming 4-48 off his ten overs, including four of the first five wickets to fall.
"As a group we have been playing well, aside from a little hiccup last game," man of the match Holland said.
"It is a little bit nerve wracking here (as a spinner at North Sydney Oval) with the short boundaries and not much spin. You expect to go for runs here and if you don't it is a bonus."