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Victoria begins Indian campaign with a win
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http://www.theage.com.au/news/sport/cricket/victoria-begins-indian-campa...

Reported by Jesse Hogan, Delhi
October 6, 2009

VICTORIA overcame some shaky batting to begin its Champions League Twenty20 preparation with a comfortable 62-run win over a Delhi invitational XI on Sunday.

In a Twenty20 match shortened to 17 overs a side because of rain, the Bushrangers easily defended their total of 9-130 by keeping Delhi to 9-62.

The home team made a solid start, reaching 25 without the loss of a wicket, but squandered it by losing six wickets in five overs - three claimed by paceman Clint McKay.

Stand-in skipper Brad Hodge's decision to bring himself into the attack also proved crucial, as he snared 2-2 off his two overs.

The Bushrangers were, admittedly, aided by some reckless batting from Delhi. Six of the nine wickets were catches in the outfield.

McKay was the most successful of the bowlers with 3-14 off four overs, medium-pacer Andrew McDonald claimed 2-13 off four, while spinners Jon Holland and Bryce McGain each claimed a wicket from two overs. Young paceman James Pattinson, who took the new ball, was the only bowler without a wicket, finishing with 0-14 off three overs.

Earlier, the Bushrangers were stung by the loss of openers Rob Quiney (0) and Hodge (9). Their next two batsmen, Aiden Blizzard (23 off 22 balls) and Andrew McDonald (32 off 30), boosted the total but the run-rate was still subdued.

Matthew Wade (13), Aaron Finch (9) and Shane Harwood (1) were not able to change that trend. McKay made a crucial late contribution with 25 off 12 balls, including two sixes.

Cameron White, David Hussey and Peter Siddle, who are all in South Africa as part of Australia's Champions Trophy squad, are yet to join the Bushrangers.

Victoria will play another practice match today, against NSW, before its opening Champions League match against the Delhi Daredevils on Friday.