Hughes, Botha clinch bonus point for Redbacks

South Australia 8 for 248 (Hughes 114, Botha 55*, Krejza 4-58) defeated Tasmania 166 (Botha 4-29, Haberfield 3-35) by 82 runs
Scorecard

A sturdy century by Phillip Hughes and a striking all-round display from Johan Botha lifted South Australia to a bonus-point victory over Tasmania in Hobart, the Redbacks' second consecutive limited overs win.

On a sluggish pitch, the off-season recruits Hughes and Botha guided the visitors to 8 for 248, a tally that was to prove far too steep for the Tigers as the Redbacks delivered a beguiling combination of pace and spin.

Hughes survived a difficult chance to the Tigers' wicketkeeper Tim Paine on 24 but otherwise showed power, poise and a wide stroke range on a surface most other batsmen found difficult to get comfortable on.

Botha's stand of 76 with Hughes ensured SA would post a strong total after the innings had slipped to 5 for 142 against a decent spin spell from Jason Krejza. Ben Hilfenhaus shared the new ball with Krejza and nipped out Michael Klinger early but was hit about Bellerive by Hughes in later stints at the crease.

Tasmania's reply began well enough, but turned when Tim Paine's flat pull shot was smartly held on the midwicket fence by Hughes. Two balls later Jake Haberfield pinned George Bailey on the crease, and added a critical third when Ricky Ponting drove to wide mid off.

Botha, Dan Chrisitan and the economical Nathan Lyon constricted the remainder of the innings, wickets falling regularly as the Tigers' chase petered out well short.