A late Victorian batting collapse gave Western Australia an unlikely 27-run win in the ING Cup cricket clash at the WACA on Friday night.

Chasing the home side's modest total of 7-204 from 50 overs, the Bushrangers were 5-105 after 28 overs and seemingly in control.

But Victoria lost 6-73 to be all out for 177 and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, jeopardising its chances of reaching this year's final.

The Warriors, defending ING Cup champions, moved to 16 points and within two points of third-placed Victoria, which still has to face competition leader Queensland and NSW before the February 20 final.

WA heads to Devonport for a critical clash with second-placed Tasmania (18 points) on January 23 before matches against South Australia and Queensland.

Matthew Elliott (77) top-scored for the Victorians, but he lacked support in a disappointing effort from the visitors.

Beau Casson (3-34) claimed man of the match honours for the Warriors.

WA quick Darren Wates produced an impressive opening spell, bowling openers Jonathan Moss (15) and Brad Hodge (5) cheaply as Victoria's run chase got off to a poor start.

Wates then got a finger to a full-blooded drive from Elliott that deflected onto the stumps, running out in-form batsman David Hussey for one.

Elliott should also have been dismissed cheaply, but Ben Edmondson completely mis-judged a catch at mid-off when he was on 10.

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