HEBOU PNG Barramundis

The Hebou PNG Barramundis fell short in the West Pacific T20 Series, losing the final to Hong Kong by seven (7) runs but bounced back to win the three (3) match 50 Over South China Cup 2-1 against Hong Kong.  

“It was a shame to lose the last game (West Pacific T20 Final) but we put two good weeks of cricket together and I think it was just one of those days that didn’t go to plan. 

“Plenty of good things to come out of the trip and Hong Kong are a good side. We cannot take the foot off the gas and expect to beat them,” said Dawes.

Batting first, the Barramundis got off to a promising start with openers Tony Ura (21) and Anthony Vare (29) putting on a 52 run-opening-wicket partnership.

Then a steady fall of wickets saw the visitors slump to 6/119 in the 26th over when Charles Amini Jnr was dismissed for a quick-fire 28 runs.

Some fighting performances from Sese Bau (16), Kipling Doriga (28) and Jason Kila (24) took the score to 8/169 in the 39th over before an amazing rear-guard performance from Norman Vanua (50* runs off 40 balls) and Chad Soper (30* runs off 44 balls) took the score beyond 250.

Batting first, hosts Hong Kong were bowled out for only 145 in the 42nd over by an impressive Hebou PNG Barramundis' bowling attack. Charles Amini Jnr led the way for the Barramundis, picking up 4/33 off 9.3 overs while Norman Vanua (3/28) and Damien Ravu (1/23) picked up three and one wicket respectively.

Raag Kapur (38) and Aizaz Khan (31) were the only Hong Kong batsmen to register scores beyond 30 runs.

Batting first in the final, Hong Kong posted an impressive 8/158 off their allotted 20 overs, mainly thanks to a quick-fire 72 runs off just 38 balls from Aizaz Khan at the top of the order.

Aizaz Khan was ably supported by Waqas Khan who made a valuable 39 runs off just 35 balls in the middle order while for the Hebou PNG Barramundis, Chad Soper (2/14), Jason Kila (2/24) and Norman Vanua (2/37) continued their great form with the ball during the series by picking up a couple of wickets apiece.

In the morning match against Hong Kong ‘A’, the Hebou PNG Barramundis fought hard and were eventually bowled out for 159 in the 20th over with Sese Bau (65) and Tony Ura (40) the main contributors with the bat. Aftab Hussain (4/25) and Hasan Mohammad (3/22) were the pick of the Hong Kong ‘A’ bowlers, taking seven (7) Barramundis’ wickets between them.

These events will run from 23^rd October to 1^st November, 2018.

“We are delighted to accept the invitation from Hong Kong Cricket to take part in the West Pacific Cup, Hong Kong Sixes and the South China Cup later this month. This will be the last tour of the year for the Hebou PNG Barramundis and we are all hoping that they finish the year off on a high,” said Greg Campbell, CPNG CEO.

The Hebou PNG Barramundis continued their impressive form in the T20 Series by posting another imposing total of 9/161 off their allotted 20 over in the final.

It was a team effort with a total of five Barramundis’ batsmen scoring more 20 runs throughout the innings, with Assad Vala top scoring with the bat with a brilliant 37 runs off just 33 balls. Tanveer Ahmed was the stand-out bowler for Hong Kong, taking an incredible 5/48.  

The Barramundis made their dominance show from the very first game when Tony Ura smashed a century of just 47 balls, to guide PNG past 200 against Samoa.

Samoa barely put up a challenge and could only manage 129 in their 20 overs, with Chad Soper picking up 4 wickets - 3 of them coming in one over - for only 10 runs.

Hosts Fiji were next as the Hebou PNG Barramundis played back-to-back matches on the first day, this time falling shy of the 200 run mark by 12 runs.

Vanuatu captain Andrew Mansale elected to field first after winning the toss - a decision he must have rued on a flat track.

After a delayed start, Hebou PNG Barramundis captain Assad Vala got straight into things along with Tony Ura, who had scored a century in the first match.

The openers, scoring at a healthy rate of over 11 an over in the power play, racing to 69 in the power play, with Ura doing most of the scoring. He was finally dismissed for 51 in just 33 balls as the Vanuatu captain Mansale brought himself to the attack to break the opening partnership.

There was reason to be in good spirits despite Alei Nao's unfortunate injury that has ruled him out of action for a year.

Cricket PNG National Team Coach Joe Dawes is hopeful Nao recovers well from his injury and comes back into the fold soon.

“Very disappointing for Alei and he is a big part of our white ball cricket and I hope he bounces back well. Luckily, we are well covered in the bowling ranks. His injury though does give others an opportunity to shine here.”