Western Australia were bowled out for 118 to crash to a hefty 84 run defeat to Queensland in a disappointing opening to their one-day cup campaign at Bankstown Oval on Friday.
The large victory margin meant last year’s winners comfortably collect a bonus point in an encouraging start to their title defence.
Former Australian Test batsman Marcus North top-scored for the West Australians, compiling a laborious 33, with his side batting through only 43 of their 50 overs.
Queensland turned in a disciplined effort in the field and the West Australians were rarely in the hunt, suffering two disastrous runs outs inside the opening three overs of their run chase.
Spinner Jason Flores collected the best figures with 3-31, while Ben Cutting bowled with pace and accuracy in collecting 2-8 off seven economical overs.
Earlier, a century partnership from Chris Hartley and Nathan Reardon saw Queensland recover from a poor start to reach 4-202.
The Queenslanders limped to 3-44, before Hartley and Reardon put on 106 for the fourth wicket.
On a challenging wicket opener Hartley scored a watchful 64 off 112 deliveries, while Reardon top-scored in striking an unbeaten 92 off 111 balls, including three sixes.
Australia Test hopeful Usman Khawaja made a poor start to his interstate season and was the first wicket to fall scoring just 12, before spooning a simple caught and bowled to Ashton Agar’s first delivery of the match.
Agar (1-30) and fellow spinner Michael Beer (1-34) kept a lid on Queensland’s scoring before some late hitting from Reardon and James Hopes lifted the run rate.
All-rounder Andrew Tye collected the best figures for West Australia on his state debut capturing 2-32 off eight overs, and adding 22 off 26 balls with the bat.