NSW ride on Khawaja and Hughes

New South Wales 6 for 468 dec and 4 for 245 (Khawaja 89, Hughes 84) lead Tasmania 303 (Doolan 100, Copeland 5-56) by 410 runs
Scorecard

Usman Khawaja and Phillip Hughes narrowly missed centuries as they strengthened New South Wales' position in Hobart. The Blues finished on 4 for 245 to gain a 410-run lead after Khawaja breezed to 89 off 99 balls and Hughes posted 84, becoming the season's leading scorer with 936, during a stand of 163.

Tasmania were dismissed for 303 in the second session to fall 165 behind on first innings during a match they must win to stay in contention for the final. The Blues are out already and are trying to end the hopes of the third-placed Tigers.

Trent Copeland's 5 for 56, his third five-wicket haul in his opening four games, helped finish off Tasmania, who resisted through Xavier Doherty (48) and James Faulkner (40). Steven Smith (3 for 99) and Mitchell Starc combined for the rest of the wickets before the Blues chose not to enforce the follow-on.

Hughes was bowled by Doherty while Khawaja went the same way to leave their side at 3 for 185. Smith chipped in with 36 off 23 and Peter Forrest (26) finished the day with a six off Doherty, who had 3 for 76.