Khawaja hits oneday form in big win

DROPPED Test batsman Usman Khawaja has made a statement of intent to open the Australian domestic summer, with his big century helping Queensland to a crushing 155run win over one-day cup holders Victoria in Melbourne.

Victoria’s strong batting line-up was quickly reduced to rubble yesterday before eventually being dismissed for 168 off 39.5 overs, in response to Queensland’s 9-322 at Junction Oval.

Khawaja was at ease in posting a 94-ball ton, before being dismissed for 138 off 126 balls, caught on the boundary chasing quick runs in the 43rd over.

Khawaja, who was dropped after the third Ashes Test, shared a confident opening stand of 185 with the in-form Sam Heazlett from just 27.4 overs.

Heazlett continued his redhot start to the season before being dismissed for 88 off 86 balls.

In response, the Vics were reduced to 5-37 with failures for internationals Marcus Harris (0), Peter Handscomb (7) and Glenn Maxwell (10).

Mark Steketee did most of the damage with a quartet of top-order scalps in his 4-25.

Aaron Finch briefly looked like he might rally the Victorians after their disastrous start, but his dismissal for 46 ensured last season’s limitedover champions slipped to a second defeat in three starts.

Will Sutherland was the only Victorian to build an innings, with the allrounder hitting three sixes in a career-best knock of 66 from 67 balls.

The victory margin might have been even greater but Queensland dropped away in the latter part of their innings.

Ashes star Marnus Labuschagne posted a confident 36 at better than a run a ball, only to be given out caught behind despite the ball missing the bat.

James Pattinson (3-56) led the Vics’ impressive late-innings bowling which allowed Queensland only 61 runs from their final 10 overs.

Elsewhere, Ben McDermott hit an unbeaten 103 to lead Tasmania to a five-wicket win against South Australia.