Victoria have emerged as the early pacesetter in the one-day cricket competition after Cameron White helped power them to a six-wicket win over South Australia at Bankstown Oval on Friday.
Set 233 to win, the Bushrangers always looked to have the chase covered and got home with 13 balls to spare.
It was the Bushrangers’ second win from as many games, while the Redbacks were making the their season debut on Friday.
While the Redbacks score of 6-232 was easily the biggest of the first three matches at the suburban Sydney ground, it was no match for a power-packed Bushrangers top five, all of who have played for Australia.
White (86 off 89 balls), whose last game for Australia was almost one year ago to the day, was selective in his hitting, smashing six fours and four sixes.
He added 95 in 18 overs with Rob Quiney (65 off 116), who had previously put on 78 in just under 18 overs with captain Matthew Wade (44 off 51).
Wade had come to the crease after Aaron Finch (5 off 4) was run out when he backed up too far and bowler Chadd Sayers deflected a Quiney drive onto the stumps at the bowlers end.
Finch and fellow Australian one-day squad batsmen Phil Hughes and Callum Ferguson weren’t able to make big scores on the eve of their departure. for the seven-match series in India.
SA duo Hughes (35 off 45 balls) and Ferguson (21 off 31) each failed to capitalise on a promising start.
Hughes and Michael Klinger (33 off 52) got the Redbacks off to a flyer with an opening stand of 69 off 15.3 overs.
A late innings sixth wicket stand of 64 between topscorer Sam Miller (47 not out off 67 balls), who was making his one-day debut for the Redbacks, and wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman (38 off 42) ensured SA made the first score of over 200 in three matches at the venue this season.
The next competition game on Monday at Bankstown will pit Victoria against NSW, who have won their only match to date against Tasmania.