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Victoria cruise into Twenty20 final

Victoria booked their place in Australia's Twenty20 final, while New South Wales comfortably beat Queensland

Cricinfo staff
08-Jan-2006


Jon Moss celebrates Victoria's victory © Getty Images
Victoria cruised past South Australia by 8 wickets at the St Kilda Cricket Ground in Melbourne to book their place in the inaugural Twenty20 Big Bash final on January 21.
South Australia stuttered to the modest total of 113, restricted by tight bowling and sharp fielding from Victoria, in particular from Shane Harwood who grabbed 3 for 13 from 3.2 overs. Only Shane Deitz (34) and Mark Cleary (20 from 12 balls) showed any sign of fluency for South Australia.
In reply, Brad Hodge clobbered 26 from 15 balls for Victoria before he was bowled by Gary Putland, in the fourth over, ending a 38-run opening stand with Jon Moss (41*). Liam Buchanan followed Hodge's lead with a brutal 25 and, despite falling to Darren Lehmann, Victoria's captain Cameron White led his side to a comfortable win with more than seven overs to spare.
Meanwhile, Dominic Thornely starred for New South Wales, smashing 57 from 38 balls - including three sixes and four fours - who beat Queensland by 5 wickets. Thornely came to the wicket at 2 for 71 after Phil Jaques and Jarrad Burke had each made 30. Despite Derek Tate picking up a couple of wickets, Thornley and Ian Moran led NSW through to a comfortable victory with two overs to spare.
Queensland had earlier been restricted to 167, failing to bat out their 20 overs. After winning the toss and electing to bat, they sped to 4 for 135 in the first ten overs. Michael Buchanan, son of Australia national coach John, smashed four sixes but his wicket spelled disaster for Queensland who lost 7 for 33. NSW will be hoping to beat Tasmania on Tuesday to reach the final on January 21.