ICC Intercontinental Cup

On the last day of play at Sheikh Zayed Stadium yesterday, the Barramundis were all bowled out in their second innings for 286.

The bulk of their runs came from a career best knock of 142 from Lega Siaka who finished not out.

UAE’s Mohammad Naveed (4/78) and Imran Haider (4/93) were instrumental ripping through the batting attack taking four wickets each.

It was Muhammad Usman (103) who was the major contributor with the bat for UAE who finished at 6/299 at stumps yesterday at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

UAE’s openers Rohan Mustafa (41) and Laxman Sreekumar (37) also pitched in with handy contributions.

Mahuru Dai had the best bowling figures for the Barramunidis with 3/83 from his 32 overs.

Chap Soper, Nosaina Pokana and Assad Vala have also picked up a wicket each.

Day three will resume today with Saqlain Haider and Ahmed Raza batting.

The Barramundis found themselves in trouble early on the innings when Qadeer Ahmed took the wickets of openers Tony Ura (11) and Vani Vagi Morea (11).

Wickets continued to fall in close succession and the Barramundis found themselves in dire straits at 7/110.

Wicket-keeper Jack Vare (38) and Chad Soper (38) top scored for the side who were all bowled out after 85.3 overs.

Ahmed (3/43) and Ahmed Raza (3/38) both shared the spoils with three wickets a piece.

This is PNG Barramundis’ latest exciting chapter in its cricket history as it makes its debut in the Intercontinental Cup.

Organised competitions have been played since the 1950s and PNG became an associate member of the ICC in 1973.

The ICC Intercontinental Cup is a pathway to Test cricket. Countries taking part include Ireland, Namibia, Scotland, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and United Arab Emirates.