Carey top-scored for his side with 101 from 93 balls and combined with Henry Hunt (61) for a record-breaking 159-run opening stand before Gurinder Sandhu's second career hat-trick helped Queensland bowl out the hosts for 274.

Matt Renshaw anchored the Bulls' run chase with an unbeaten 156 from 109 balls and received good support from Max Bryant (68), with the pair putting on 177 for the fourth wicket.

The visitors comfortably chased down the target, reaching 4-275 with 7.5 overs to spare.

It was Queensland's second win from four matches in the one-day competition this season, while South Australia are struggling with a 1-3 record.

In the mix to replace disgraced former captain Tim Paine as Australia's Test gloveman at the Gabba next month, Carey had failed to reach double figures in any of his previous six innings for the Redbacks this season.

The 30-year-old made a patient start to his innings before blasting his second 50 in just 30 balls, charging to his second one-day century of the season.

He smashed a huge slog-sweep six off Marnus Labuschagne but was eventually bowled by the part-time legspinner when attempting to cut a delivery that wasn't quite as short as he had expected.

Queensland quick Sandhu finished with 4-44 from his nine overs, with Matt Kuhnemann (3-54, nine overs) also impressing as the final six South Australia wickets fell in the space of just 15 balls.

Like Carey, Travis Head was hoping to impress national selectors, but he was dropped twice before his luck ran out on 29, caught by Mark Steketee off Kuhnemann.

Queensland's run chase began slowly and they were in trouble early when Test squad members Usman Khawaja (16) and Labuschagne (11) fell cheaply.

Labuschagne departed in stunning fashion when he was run out by Hunt's direct hit from a tough angle.

But Renshaw's composed knock steered the Bulls home.

Featuring 15 fours and five sixes, it was the former Test left-hander's highest domestic one-day score.

Nathan McAndrew was the only South Australian bowler to take multiple wickets but was also the least economical, with his 2-54 coming off seven overs.

Australian Associated Press