Tasmania v Queensland, FR Cup, Launceston

Hopes and Maher steal the show

Cricinfo staff

January 27, 2008

Queensland 8 for 284 (Maher 114, Hopes 115) beat Tasmania 280 (Birt 71*, Divin 63) by two wickets
Scorecard

Scorching centuries by the openers Jimmy Maher and James Hopes boosted Queensland to a stylish win against the leaders Tasmania in Launceston, with them chasing down 281 and leaving the hosts to wait another day to secure a home final.

Tasmania now have a slim chance of not even making it, while New South Wales are the only side definitely out. Sunday's results have left the table wide open, with second-placed South Australia also losing to Victoria.

Maher and Hopes put on 221 to give Queensland a tight two-wicket win but after the openers had done so well Hopes' dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse from 1 for 221 to 8 for 267. Mark Divin, who was accountable for four wickets, also had a major part to play with the bat, too, his fifty steering Tasmania from a wobbly stretch to calmer waters. Travis Birt also added an unbeaten half-century to propel them to 280.

However, the Maher and Hopes show was to put paid to any dreams Tasmania had that they were safe. Maher's 114 came from 108 balls with nine fours and three sixes, while Hopes' 115 was even more brutal, requiring only 81 deliveries and containing 12 fours and five sixes. All eyes will now be on the final rounds as the competition continues to heat up.

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