Bulls brutal at big bash
Mon 14 January 2008
Jacob Grams, Bachelor of Journalism
The Queensland Bulls bludgeoned their way to an emphatic victory over the Tasmanian Tigers in the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash on January 10, in their first win in the 20-over ‘slog-fest’ for the season.
The win allowed Queensland to avoid the humiliation of coming last, and quashed Tasmania’s dreams of a Twenty20 title.
Tasmania had a win early at the toss, and hoping to make use of the fantastic pitch and outfield conditions, elected to bat.
Rhett Lockyear, who was a substitute fielder for Australia in the second Test against Sri Lanka, flailed his bat wildly, smashing two fours and two sixes on his way to 24. In bizarre circumstances, he was out as he edged the ball on to his helmet and was subsequently caught.
Luke Butterworth then stole the show hitting 36 from 34 balls to put Tasmania in a strong position. However a steady procession of wickets slowed the run rate and allowed Queensland back into the game, with Aaron Nye taking 3/28 from four overs.
Queensland was set a target of 175 from 20 overs. Jimmy Maher and James Hopes didn’t plan to take their time, hitting 48 runs off the first three overs.
Hopes, Queensland and Australia’s one day specialist, couldn’t stop himself as he destroyed the Tasmanian bowling attack with 10 fours and two sixes. Australian one-day bowler Ben Hilfenhaus felt the brunt of Hopes’ uncontrollable hitting, going for more than 11 runs per over.
But a wicket couldn’t stop the rout, as Shane Watson strode to the crease and started depositing the ball into the stands of his own free will. His antics gave the crowd plenty of catching practice with seven sixes and only two fours.
Captain Maher chipped in with 35 as the Bulls reached the target with 23 balls to spare. He can be proud of his team for the way it regained some pride from what is turning out to be a below-par season in all forms of the game.
Western Australia and Victoria will contest the final on Sunday, January 13. Whoever wins, both teams are assured a place in the Twenty20 Champions League to be held in India in September-October.
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