VICTORIA remains in the hunt for a Marsh Cup final berth, after defeating Queensland by nine wickets at the MCG yesterday. BBL|12 Player of the Tournament Matt Short starred in the hosts’ successful chase of 202, clubbing an unbeaten 108 in his definitive partnership with newly minted skipper Marcus Harris (78*).

Having surpassed Queensland’s total at one wicket down and with 19 overs to spare, Victoria not only picked up a bonus point, but also jumped to second spot on the Marsh Cup ladder with a positive net run rate. Though Short’s ton, his first in the one-day domestic competition, got Victoria home comfortably, bowler Fergus O’Neill was named player of the match.

O’Neill bowled 10 overs consecutively as Queensland won the toss and elected to bat, picking up terrific figures of 4-22 and removing six of the Bulls’ top seven batters in combination with Will Sutherland (2-32). The visitors struggled to get going but opener Sam Heazlett gave them a fighting chance with his spirited hundred.

The opener proved ever-present as batting partners fell around him, though a 91-run stand with Will Prestwidge (37) helped dig Queensland out of deep trouble at 6-56. Queensland crept past 200 but were all out after 46.2 overs, with Victorian debutant Ruwantha Kellapotha (2-40) picking up the key and final wicket of Heazlett.

In response, Victoria took full toll in what ended up being a cakewalk, though the early dismissal of James Seymour (3) provided a momentary bright spot for Queensland. Once Harris joined Short at the crease, the pair got themselves in and began to accelerate once comfortable, both bringing up milestones with crisp boundaries in an unbeaten partnership of 194.

Victoria will eagerly await the result of the match between South and Western Australia today, with the Redbacks sitting level on points in third and the Warriors having already qualified for the final. A potentially season-defining clash with SA beckons for the Vics on February 26, while Queensland takes on New South Wales on the same day.

SCORECARD

TOSS: Queensland won the toss and elected to bat.
RESULT: Victoria (1-205) def. Queensland (202) by 9 wickets
POTM: Fergus O’Neill (Victoria)

1st Innings: Queensland 202 (46.2)
Sam Heazlett 100 (135), Will Prestwidge 37 (56)
Fergus O’Neill 4-22 (10), Will Sutherland 2-32 (9)

2nd Innings: Victoria 1-205 (31)
Matt Short 108* (94), Marcus Harris 78* (85)
Will Prestwidge 1-49 (4), Jack Sinfield 0-59 (10)