Unbeaten Hughes sees NSW home

New South Wales 5 for 137 (Hughes 53*) beat Western Australia 8 for 177 (Marsh 71, Henriques 3-29) by 5 wickets on D/L method
Scorecard

Phillip Hughes' impressive season continued as he led New South Wales to victory in a difficult chase during a rain-affected match at the SCG. The Blues' initial target of 184 in 44 overs was cut to 137 from 29, but Hughes was able to overcome the obstacles with an unbeaten 53 that sealed the five-wicket win with 12 balls remaining.

Western Australia picked up two wickets through Paul Davis by the time New South Wales scored 10. However, Hughes, who has been a star performer in the Sheffield Shield, was joined by Dominic Thornely (22) and Moises Henriques (15) to push the hosts closer to the target. The wicketkeeper Daniel Smith provided the final blast with 29 off 13, including five fours and a six.

Shaun Marsh, who opened for Australia in the ODI series against Bangladesh, showed some form after a slow campaign with 71 to prop up Western Australia's 8 for 177 as they fought to their total in between rain delays. Marsh, who had a couple of reprieves, opened the innings and was there as the side slipped to 3 for 51, with Henriques (3 for 29) picking up each breathough.

However, he guided a recovery with Matt Johnston, who scored 43 in an 84-run partnership. A mini collapse of three wickets in eight runs did not help the Warriors' push in the final overs, when Steven Smith and Aaron Bird benefitted with a couple of wickets each.