Back-to-back titles for brilliant Blues

The NSW Blues have defended their Matador BBQs One-Day Cup title with a thumping victory over Queensland in the final at North Sydney Oval.

Without rested Test stars Steve Smith, David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who were watching on from the stands, as well as the tournament's third-highest run-scorer Daniel Hughes (concussion), the Blues romped to a convincing six-wicket victory to claim back-to-back titles.

A record-breaking performance from Test spinner Nathan Lyon put the Blues on course for their 11th domestic one-day crown, one behind Western Australia's record of 12.

Lyon, who was surprisingly dropped for the elimination final against Victoria on Friday, finished with the sensational figures of 4-10 from 10 overs, including three maidens.

It's the most economical figures for 10 overs in NSW's history, beating the previous record of 1-12 by Nathan Bracken a decade ago. It's also the fewest runs conceded while taking four wickets, beating Glenn McGrath's previous NSW record of 4-17 in 1993-94.

Lyon's haul helped dismiss the Bulls for just 186 and despite an early wobble in the run chase, the Blues cruised to victory thanks to a 131-run stand between skipper Moises Henriques (85 from 103 balls) and left-hander Kurtis Patterson (77no from 119).

Allrounder Henriques, Australia's incumbent Test No.5 but seemingly unlikely to hold his spot for the first Test against South Africa from November 3 in Perth, was superb in hammering seven fours and three sixes to continue his bright start to the summer.

In a great sign for Australia ahead of the first Commonwealth Bank Test against South Africa starting on November 3, Lyon doubled his wickets tally for the tournament as he bowled 10 consecutive overs from the Fig Tree End of the famous old venue.

The off-spinner struck in his second, third, fourth and ninth overs, including the key wicket of Australia batsman and Bulls captain Usman Khawaja for 32.

None of the Bulls got going on a windy day in the Harbour City, with recently-dumped Test batsman Joe Burns run out for 18 when he attempted a risky single to mid-on.

Henriques said Lyon's omission for the elimination final on Friday was due in part to the large number of right-handed batsman in Victoria's top-order, adding the off-spinner was set for a big summer despite a tough few months that included a Test series defeat in Sri Lanka and losing his place in Australia's one-day international side.

The skipper's words proved to be prophetic as Lyon, recalled as Hazlewood was rested ahead of the first Test, bowled with beautiful flight, drift and bounce in a man-of-the-match performance.

The Blues wobbled early in the chase as a superb opening spell of 3-7 from Michael Neser saw Ed Cowan, Nick Larkin and Nic Maddinson on their way with just 19 on the board.

But Henriques and Patterson dismissed any thought of a Bulls victory with a chanceless partnership as NSW cruised home with 32 balls to spare.

It's the third time the Blues have won back-to-back titles having won three consecutively between 1991 and 1994 as well as between 2000 and 2003.

In more good news for Australia, Cummins again showed impressive signs as he continued his comeback from a serious back injury.

The 23-year-old bowled without luck, having Khawaja dropped at first slip and drawing false strokes on numerous occasions, finishing with 1-51 from his 10 overs.