Warriors exit as Queensland finish second

Western Australia's hopes of regaining their place in the postponed Champions League were shattered as Queensland sealed their spot in the finals with a convincing 62-run victory at the WACA. The Warriors were part of the original tournament, which offered $6 million in prizemoney, but when the terrorist attacks in Mumbai occurred the event was rescheduled and Western Australia and Victoria were told they had to requalify.

Victoria are through to the last three and have their chance to seal top spot when they play New South Wales in Sydney on Saturday. Queensland, who are second on the table with six points, will host the preliminary final on Wednesday after Nathan Rimmington's three early wickets meant Western Australia needed a miracle in reply to their 3 for 189.

A thrilling partnership of 94 in 8.5 overs between Lee Carseldine and Nathan Reardon set up Queensland's impressive total. Reardon launched five sixes in his unbeaten 51 off 32 balls while Carseldine smashed 74 off 45. Craig Simmons started with 26 but Rimmington (3 for 14) and Chris Simpson (3 for 27) shut them down for 127.

Daniel Christian's heroics with bat and ball ensured South Australia stayed in with a chance of progressing to the preliminary final with a 52-run win over Tasmania in Launceston. Christian belted six sixes in his 24-ball 54 and then backed up with 4 for 23 and a run out as the Redbacks joined the queue of teams, including the Tigers, the Warriors and the Blues, on four points. However, South Australia have the advantage in head-to-head contests and net run-rate, and will finish third if New South Wales lose on Saturday.

Christian's contribution was essential after the Redbacks reached 4 for 106 in the 14th over. Callum Ferguson had fallen for 44 to bring Christian to the wicket and he thrashed the Tasmanians as South Australia stormed to 6 for 176.

Chris Duval had started well for the home side by taking two early wickets, but not much went right for them after that. Jason Krejza led the chase with 31 not out, but by the time he was in the Tigers were struggling at 5 for 63 on the way to being all out for 124.