Kasprowicz and Bichel guide Bulls to three-day win

Queensland 252 and 6 for 365 dec (Perren 168*, Love 58, Tait 3-90) beat South Australia 114 and 209 (Lehmann 74, Kasprowicz 4-63, Bichel 4-77) by 294 runs
Scorecard
Pura Cup table

Michael Kasprowicz produced a timely performance ahead of the South Africa tour as Queensland jumped to a four-point Pura Cup lead with a 294-run victory over South Australia. With Glenn McGrath expected to be ruled out of next month's Test series, Kasprowicz went head-to-head with Jason Gillespie in the match and today he combined with Andy Bichel for eight wickets as the Redbacks were dismissed for 209.

Clinton Perren's brilliant 168 from 202 balls allowed Jimmy Maher to declare from the comfort of 6 for 365, setting South Australia a massive target of 504. The chase began poorly when both openers departed by the time they reached 2, Kasprowicz collecting Ben Cameron and Bichel taking caring of Greg Blewett. Mark Cosgrove and Cameron Borgas fell with the score on 72 before Kasprowicz struck twice in three balls to end a 97-run partnership between Darren Lehmann and Callum Ferguson.

Ferguson left with 38 after being bowled by a Kasprowicz off-cutter, and he quickly found Graham Manou's edge, which went to Martin Love at first slip. Bichel stepped in with the important wicket of Lehmann, who blasted 13 fours in his 64-ball 74, and finished with 4 for 77 while Kasprowicz ended the match with Shaun Tait's dismissal to claim figures of 4 for 63. Perren, who scored 74 in the first innings, was named Man of the Match for his impressive dual efforts.

The victory gives Queensland a useful buffer as they attempt to win hosting rights for the final from March 24. South Australia suffered their second loss in a row and are third with New South Wales and Western Australia on 20 points, four behind Victoria.