A breakthrough century from Phil Hughes has continued the Test discard’s resurgence and led South Australia to a crushing 82-run one-day victory over Tasmania at Bellerive.
Hughes crafted his first Australian domestic one-day ton, and his first hundred of the season, to anchor the Redbacks’ 8-248 – and outshine rival Ed Cowan in the process.
South Australia’s skipper Johan Botha then snared 4-29 with his off-spinners to help rout the home side for 166 to complete a fine all-round match after chipping in 55 off 52 balls with the bat.
Redbacks quick Jake Haberfield took 3-35 as SA coasted to the bonus-point win.
Hughes’ 114 from 134 balls has the 23-year-old averaging 123 in the tournament and adds to two scores of 95 and one of 83 against Queensland in one-day and Sheffield Shield games earlier this month.
The former New South Welshman, whose previous best in Australia was an unbeaten 97, had a life on 20 before he hit nine fours and a six to ensure the Redbacks posted a competitive total.
He brought up his ton off 120 balls when he flailed a wide ball from Ben Hilfenhaus to the extra cover boundary in the 42nd over, and was out pulling to midwicket when the Redbacks were 6-218.
Cowan, who replaced Hughes in the Test side last summer, was looking to mount a Tigers’ rescue mission batting at No.5 after his side’s chase had been in trouble at 4-91.
He also had a life on 20 when Redbacks captain Johan Botha spilled a sitter, but couldn’t capitalise and was caught at point for 22 off 42 balls.
Tigers spinners Jason Krejza (4-58) and Xavier Doherty (0-42) bounced back from their mauling by Victoria on Sunday, while returning Test paceman Ben Hilfenhaus (1-74) got the initial breakthrough, removing Michael Klinger for 10.
Mark Cosgrove had launched a promising Tasmanian reply with a breezy innings 37 from 47 balls that included seven boundaries.
But the Tigers never recovered from losing big guns Tim Paine (36), George Bailey (0) and Ricky Ponting (14) in the space of three runs and were all out in the 44th over.