Queensland defeat NSW after a riveting final day

Queensland 9 for 418 dec and 1 for 54 dec beat New South Wales 4 for 196 dec (Bevan 79*, Steve Waugh 65) and 239 (Mark Waugh 72, Haddin 62*, Bichel 4-69) by 37 runs
Scorecard

An era ended when Queensland beat New South Wales by 37 runs on a day of declarations and an engrossing chase. Following an audacious failed attempt to chase 277, after 19 seasons of cricket, Steve and Mark Waugh walked off the field for the last time. The competitive target was provided by Queensland, who declared at 1 for 54, in a nod to Steve Waugh's overnight declaration at 4 for 196.

Andy Bichel struck early, reducing New South Wales to 2 for 11, before Michael Bevan and Michael Clarke steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership. However, both batsmen and Steve Waugh fell in rapid succession, and at 5 for 92, the situation looked bleak.

Then Mark Waugh and Brad Haddin played inspired innings that turned the game on its head, and put on 115 runs in only 12 overs as the target of 277 came tantalisingly close. Both were especially unkind to Nathan Hauritz, who bowled seven overs and conceded 60 runs. But Bichel returned for one last time, and prised out Mark Waugh (72 off 49 balls). At the other end, Haddin battled away to an unbeaten 62, while the lower order did willy-nilly and collapsed to Chris Simpson's offspinners.