New Blues captain welcomed with a win

New Queensland captain Maher felt 240 was a very achievable target on a small ground with a good wicket and fast outfield and felt the Bulls contributed to their downfall.

"We made the mistakes ourselves. I don't think they were forced errors, so that's something we can look back on and use in preparation for upcoming games," Maher said.

"To their credit, NSW bowled and fielded well. Going out to bat I thought 240 was well below par, a score that I was very happy to be chasing, but we just didn't do it with the bat."

Queensland had a perfect start when NSW opener Brad Haddin was run out off the first ball without facing as he charged down the pitch without looking at opening partner Corey Richards.

Experienced Queensland fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz (2-30 off 10 overs) conceded just 12 runs in his initial seven over burst.

Batting three places higher than he normally does for Australia, Bevan capitalised on the chance to play a long innings and played several dashing cuts and drives.

He added 90 with Richards (36) and 85 with Michael Clarke (39) and struck nine fours in his 138th ball innings.

Man of the match Nash, and Bracken, who whipped out Martin Love (0) and Lee Carseldine put NSW in control until the furious mid innings onslaught from Symonds who smashed ten fours and three sixes.