Tasmania opened their domestic one-day cup campaign in dominant fashion, with the Apple Islanders benefiting from the unexpected availability of opening bowler Andrew Fekete who starred in the nine-wicket win over Queensland at North Sydney Oval on Monday.
Fekete put Queensland on the back foot from the start of their innings claiming three early wickets, before eventually ending with the figures of 4-30 from 9.3 overs.
Tasmania made light of Queensland's poor showing with the bat, and eased past the total with 14 overs to spare.
Ben Dunk top-scored for Tasmania, hitting a confident 104 not out from 101 balls. Dom Michael (51 not out) offered solid support as the pair put on an unbeaten 117 for the second wicket.
Last season Dunk cracked the competition's maiden double century as the same two sides scored over 800 runs at North Sydney in a match won by Queensland.
"It was a good toss to win, and there was a little bit in it (for the bowlers)," said Fekete.
"There was a little bit of swing and nibble in the wicket, and we made the most of the new ball.
"I felt like I had good rhythm. The conditions were in our favour, and I didn't have to do anything out of the ordinary.
Fekete's figures provided a major confidence boost for the Test aspirant who was denied a possible international debut after Australia's two-Test tour of Bangladesh was cancelled last Thursday for security reasons.
Fekete was a strong chance to debut with both Mitchell Johnston and Josh Hazlewood unavailable due to injury.
"It was disappointing not to get over there and tour with the Australian squad and perhaps play in a Test match," Fekete said.
"It was good opportunity and timing so it is disappointing, but it is understandable circumstances and out of my control.
"It makes it difficult with those two (Johnston and Hazlewood) coming back, and only four bowlers available for selection. I probably don't see myself in that (First Test) squad (against New Zealand).
"All I can do is keep playing well for Tasmania and keep knocking on the door."
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