Bevan cracks 72 in dramatic tie

Victoria 235 for 7 (Rummans 53) tied with New South Wales 235 for 8 (Bevan 72)
Scorecard

Matthew Nicholson was run out off the last ball as the ING Cup match between New South Wales and Victoria at the MCG finished in a climactic tie - only the fourth such instance in Australian domestic cricket. Mathew Inness, who bowled the final over, misfielded Nicholson's drive but the ball deflected to Cameron White whose run-out ensured a dramatic finish.

Chasing Victoria's 7-235, NSW rode on a fine innings from Micheal Bevan with the rest chipping in with useful contributions. Philip Jacques and Michael Clarke notched up valuable forties with Mark Waugh's quickfire 36 providing the much needed impetus.

Lady luck had her part to play as Bevan was let off by White when he had made just one. Just as Waugh - in his first go as NSW captain - threatened an early finish, Brad Hodge pulled off an inspired catch on the boundary. After taking the catch on the brink, he quickly threw the ball up in the air as the momentum carried him over the ropes. He then ran back on to the field to complete the catch and get Victoria back in the hunt.

Earlier in the day, Brett Lee bowled a fiery spell and nearly had the wicket of Mathew Elliot in the first ball of the match when the umpire turned down a confident lbw appeal. After the match, Lee declared himself fit for a Test recall. Elliot went on to make 30.

Graeme Rummans top-scored with a fine 53 and Brad Hodge clattered six fours in his breezy 47. Clarke and Nicholson finished with two wickets apiece and restricted Victroria to a modest total. In the end it proved enough...just enough.