Another half-century by Ed Cowan helped NSW to a comfortable, eight-wicket victory over Western Australia at North Sydney Oval, the result sealing the Blues' place in this year's Matador BBQs Cup finals.
NSW's win was set up by outstanding work by fast bowlers Doug Bollinger, Josh Hazlewood and Trent Copeland, who dismissed WA for only 207 inside 44 overs, Cowan and Daniel Hughes then made light work of the target, sharing an opening stand of 172 in 34.2 overs. Hughes was the first batsman dismissed, for 96, with Cowan (66) following soon afterwards. Cowan faced 107 deliveries, hitting eight fours and carving a six from Mitchell Marsh's bowling.
It was the University left-hander's third innings above fifty in this season's 50-over competition.
NSW recovered from a slow start to the tournament to end in second place, and now plays Victoria on Friday for the right to meet Queensland in Sunday's final.