The PNG Barramundis have had their second win in a row to start their T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Dubai with a crushing 81 run victory over Namibia.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Barramundi openers Assad Vala and Tony Ura put on a record opening stand of 125 before Vala fell in the 10th over for 48 (34). Tony Ura notched up a half century with 71 (42) including 4 sixes, Sese Bau 26 (14) and Lega Siaka 22 (16) continued the punishment to see the Barras reach 197/7 after their alloted overs.
Namibia got off to a good start. Although losing two wickets, they were well placed at 46/2 in the fifth over, keeping the run rate required in check.
Barra bowlers then started to get on top and the mounting pressure took its toll as wickets began to tumble. When Vala picked up the last two danger men in Smit and Green in successive balls in the 11th over, it was only a matter of time until Namibia folded, bowled out for 116 in the 17th over.
The bowling was again shared around with eight bowlers used, Vala picked up 3/19 (3) which combined with his 48 runs gave him Player of the match honours. Pokana, Bau, Vanua,Ravu and Amini all taking a wicket each and sharp fielding got us two run outs.
The Barras now sit on top of pool A with two big wins from our first two games and have a clear advantage in net run rate over our fellow competitors.
“Our next opponents are Scotland and a win here would put us in great shape to advance to our first ever T20 World Cup next year,” said CPNG.
(Barramundis Captain and Player of the Match, Assad Vala, hitting a six)