South Australia waltz to easy victory

The Redbacks have proven why they are the team to beat in this year's Big Bash with a nine-wicket demolition of Tasmania in their top-of-the-table clash at Bellerive.

South Australia dominated right from outset despite losing the toss and having to bowl first. Tasmania were, in reality, the architects of their own downfall, drowning in a flurry of rash strokes to be all out for just 110 without even batting the 20 overs.

Both openers gifted catches to infielders inside the first five overs while the captain George Bailey chopped on for just 1. Three soon became four when the dangerous Travis Birt, who looked to be flowing on 15, fell to a sensational one-handed catch by Aaron O'Brien at cover with the total on just 40.

The innings was summed up when Rhett Lockyear was stumped after slipping over attempting to sweep and the Tigers never recovered.

The spin bowlers of South Australia once again strangled their opponents, with find-of-the-summer Nathan Lyon netting 3 for 14 from four high quality overs, to take Man-of-the match honours. Originally from the ACT, Lyon was plucked from the ground-staff at the Adelaide Oval to play in a Redbacks trial game. The off spinner is now the leading wicket-taker in this year's Big Bash. English-import Adil Rashid also took 3 for 20 after opening the bowling. He has been a handy acquisition who has fitted into the Redbacks' game-plan perfectly.

The runchase was clinical despite the loss of skipper Michael Klinger to a peach from Ben Hilfenhaus. The Test bowler found some swing in the opening over, squaring-up Klinger with a late moving outswinger, from a good length, which scratched the outside edge.

But apart from that success Tasmania had little else to smile about as Dan Harris (66 not out) continued his great form to race to the target inside 12 overs with the help of Kieron Pollard's replacement, Aiden Blizzard (36 not out). Harris was clinical striking seven boundaries and three sixes, including one off James Faulkner to seal the win.

Again the Tigers didn't help their cause by dropping Blizzard twice and Harris once in consecutive overs to confirm their fate.

South Australia are now top of table with their fourth straight victory. They can host the final and book another trip to the Champions League with a win on Friday night against the struggling Bushrangers. Tasmania will need to recoup quickly as they host Western Australia on Thursday.