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 for 248 - and outshine rival Ed Cowan in the process.
South Australia's skipper Johan Botha then snared 4 for 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 for 35 as South Australia 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 for 218.
Cowan, who replaced Hughes in the Test side last summer, was looking to mount a Tigers rescue mission batting at number five after his side's chase had been in trouble at 4 for 91.
He also had a life on 20 when Redbacks captain Johan Botha spilled a sitter, but could not capitalise and was caught at point for 22 off 42 balls.
Tigers spinners Jason Krejza (4 for 58) and Xavier Doherty (0 for 42) bounced back from their mauling by Victoria on Sunday, while returning Test paceman Hilfenhaus (1 for 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.
Hughes said he was focused on piling on the runs rather than returning to the national team.
"People can talk but I know what I've got to do is score as many runs as possible in all forms of the game and that's been my whole aim from the start of the season," he said.
"Everything else is out of my hands."
He will next pad up for Australia A against the touring South Africans in Sydney later this week.
"It's a great opportunity for everyone," he said.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge against a world-class attack."
Tigers captain Bailey was left to bemoan a lacklustre effort in the field.
"That probably set the tone for us," he said.
AAP
Tags: cricket, sport, hobart-7000, tas, adelaide-5000, sa, australia First posted October 30, 2012 21:46:54
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