Barramundis win Kenya opener

thenational.com.pg NaN days ago

THE Papua New Guinea Barramundis have secured a four-wicket win over Denmark on Sunday in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League-A, chasing down a target of 305 runs to finish on 307 for six in 49.1 overs at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi, Kenya.

PNG’s successful run chase was built on a series of strong batting performances, led by Lega Siaka, who top-scored with 83 runs off 81 balls, including nine fours and a six.

Tony Ura, who scored with 70 runs off 61 balls (including six fours and two sixes) earned player of the match honors for his important innings at the top of the order with an outstanding strike rate.

Patrick Nou added 54 runs off 60 balls, while captain Assadola Vala remained unbeaten on 61 from 56 balls to guide the team towards victory.

Vala struck seven fours and a six, providing the finishing stability required as the Barramundis worked through Denmark’s bowling attack.

Kabua Morea was also unbeaten on 14 from 11 balls as PNG reached the target with five balls remaining, completing a successful chase after losing six wickets.

Earlier, Denmark posted 304 for six from its allotted 50 overs, setting PNG a challenging target of 305. Luckily, Ali led the Danish innings with an unbeaten 114 from 111 balls, while captain Hamid Shah made 73 from 82 deliveries.

Taranjit Bharaj added a brisk 26 from 19 balls as Denmark maintained a strong scoring rate throughout its innings.

Semo Kamea was the standout bowler for PNG, claiming three wickets for 64 runs from his 10 overs. Morea and Alei Nao took one wicket each, while the PNG attack worked to contain a Denmark side that finished with a total of 304 for six. This first win for Papua New Guinea provided an important boost for the team in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League-A campaign.

The Barramundis entered the match sitting third in Pool-A, with every fixture critical to their chances of finishing among the top two teams and keeping their qualification hopes alive.

Following the victory, the team will regroup and turn its attention to the next challenge as the tournament continues in Kenya.

Barramundis are scheduled to face Qatar today before taking on Kuwait on Friday.