Hughes and Lee give New South Wales victory

New South Wales 3 for 190 (Hughes 80*) beat Tasmania 8 for 189 (Cowan 58, Lee 3-51) by 7 wickets
Scorecard

Brett Lee and Phillip Hughes set up a comfortable victory for New South Wales, who cruised past Tasmania's 8 for 189 in the regional centre of Burnie. Lee collected 3 for 51 to help restrict the Tigers, who are the competition leaders, and Hughes compiled an unbeaten 80 as the Blues eased to their target with 23 balls remaining, to move to second spot on the table.

It was a strong all-round effort from the visitors, who also took the extra point available at the halfway mark, when they had scored 1 for 86 to Tasmania's 2 for 66. The Tigers found the going tough having been sent in and Ed Cowan's 58 was the only score of note against a strong attack led by Lee, who leads the Ryobi Cup wicket tally with 14.

David Warner made 44 for New South Wales and Steven Smith's 32 helped the visitors to their triumph, which was anchored by the opener Hughes, who is hoping to remind the Australian selectors of his talent. Lee is also keen to force his way back in to the national team for the one-day games against England and the World Cup early next year.

"I want to play for Australia. I'm ready, it's as simple as that," Lee told AAP after the victory. "I'm back bowling fast, I'm back bowling well and I'm taking wickets."