da betway： George Bailey set up a big total for Tasmania and Brett Geeves helped them defend it so effectively that they picked up a bonus point against a struggling South Australia
Cricinfo staff01-Nov-2008
ScorecardGeorge Bailey set up a big total for Tasmania and Brett Geeves helped them defend it so effectively that they picked up a bonus point against a struggling South Australia. In Bellerive Oval’s first match of the summer the home side managed an imposing 8 for 286 and it was enough to ensure the second win of the season for the defending champions.Bailey’s 79 was the top score in what was a strong team display from Tasmania. Daniel Marsh and Travis Birt also managed half-centuries as Shaun Tait was unable to trouble the top order as much as in his previous one-day outing. Tait did pick up three wickets but they came at the end, when their only real effect was to stop the Tigers getting 300.Chasing such a big total a strong start was required and the slow pace from South Australia’s top order was a problem. Callum Ferguson and Younis Khan both laboured for their runs – Ferguson made 10 from 26 balls and Younis 3 off 15 – as Tasmania’s seamers kept things admirably tight.Michael Klinger lifted the pace with 59 from 49 deliveries but Geeves kept things in check with a terrific 3 for 25 from his ten overs. In the dying stages the only matter of interest was the bonus point and despite a late 42 from Daniel Christian, the Redbacks could not manage to save it.