Hopes guides Queensland to tense victory

Queensland recovered from a middle-order collapse to begin the ING Cup season with a tense two-wicket victory over New South Wales at the Gabba.

Chasing 225, Queensland were cruising at 5 for 201 in the 43rd over but lost 3 for 9 and had to rely on James Hopes (30 off 32 balls) to guide them home with 13 balls to spare.

Andrew Symonds, the Bulls allrounder, was named Man of the Match for his 71 from 66 balls before he fell to the legspin of Stuart MacGill, who took 4 for 37 and passed Jo Angel's domestic one-day bowling record of 94 wickets.

The New South Wales skipper Brad Haddin, who won the toss, belted a run-a-ball 88 to lift his side out of trouble at 4 for 36.