MELBOURNE, Nov 3 AAP - After the worst possible first-class cricket debut, Tasmanian middle order batsman Graeme Cunningham enjoyed redemption today at the MCG.

Cunningham shared top-score with man-of-the-match Michael Dighton with 69 as Tasmania amassed 8-311 in the ING Cup one-dayer against Victoria.

The Tigers easily beat Victoria by 74 runs, bowling them out for 237 in 44.4 overs and earning a bonus point as well.

Yesterday, Cunningham completed a "pair" when he was bowled second ball in Tasmania's second innings.

The Tigers went on to lose the Pura Cup match by 159 runs.

He was the second victim of Shane Harwood's hat-trick on day two, judged lbw on the first ball he faced, and also dropped a difficult chance off Jason Arnberger on day one before the opener had scored.

Arnberger went on to score 172no.

"Even his first eight or nine balls today, he looked shaky - once he got away, it's exactly the reason we play him," Tasmanian captain Jamie Cox said of Cunningham.

"He's such a clean striker of the ball.

"He's a pretty relaxed character, (but) obviously he'd be hurting inside. He'd be really churning up having a first-class debut like that.

Cox added the only good thing about only facing three balls was that Cunningham did not have time to lose his form, which had been good.

Cunningham played some interstate one-dayers for the old Canberra Comets, but the Pura Cup match was his first four-day game.

Today, he played a key role in sitting the Victorian cricket team on its tail ahead of a busy few weeks that will show where its season is headed.

Victorian and Australian all-rounder Ian Harvey had to bat with a runner today because of back soreness and there are fears he could join left-arm paceman Mathew Inness (hamstring) as a Bushrangers injury.

Captain Darren Berry said a packed November schedule, starting with the home Pura Cup match against Queensland from next Friday, would prove crucial.

"We've got Australia A (selections), three Pura Cup matches and a one-dayer in the next three weeks," he said.

"The whole season will be shaped in the next three weeks."

While Victoria easily beat South Australia in their one-dayer last week immediately after losing in the Pura Cup, this time the Tigers gave the Bushrangers no time to celebrate.

A 133-run opening stand in 20 overs from Dighton and Michael Di Venuto (58) set the tone for Tasmania.

It amassed the MCG's biggest domestic one-day score, second overall only to Australia's 6-338 last year against the West Indies at the ground.

Victoria bowled badly, was not tight enough in the field and, after a promising start, threw away wickets on the way to being bowled out for 237 in 44.4 overs.

Berry criticised the scheduling, saying it was a tough call to play a one-dayer immediately after a four-day game.

While Tasmanian captain Jamie Cox agreed, he said it was up to teams to put the opposition on the back foot early in the one-dayer and keep them down, knowing all the players would be physically tired.

Graeme Rummans top-scored for Victoria with 55, while spinner Xavier Doherty took 4-49.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.