ANZ Avalanches smashed BSP Heart by seven wickets in the men’s opening match of the Gabba Champions Shield at the Bisini Grounds today.
After winning the toss, BSP got off to a perfect start, with Raho Sam (35) and Ratu Maha (51) putting on an opening partnership of 54 runs.
But Sam’s dismissal saw wickets fall at regular intervals.
BSP were eventually bowled out for 166 in under 44 overs.
In reply, ANZ’s opening pair of Jack Vare (74 off 55 balls) and Arina Lahari (62 off 32 balls) belted the BSP bowlers around Amini Park.
Vare’s knock saw eight fours and 3 sixes.
ANZ reached the target comfortably in 22.1 overs, losing just three wickets on the way.
PNG Barramundis all-rounder John Boge Reva (3/25) was the best of the bowlers for BSP.
On Colts Ground 1, the Digicel Dragons narrowly beat the Paradise Foods Pistons by 29 runs.
In the women’s division, Pure Water Diamonds started the Gabba Champions Shield perfectly, winning both their T20 matches against Remington Rhinos in the morning and the Swire Shipping Sharks in the afternoon.
The Gabba Champions Shield continues tomorrow, with BSP Heart and Digicel Dragons battling it out at Amini Park while the Paradise Foods Pistons take on the ANZ Avalanches at Colts Ground 1 in 50 over matches in the men’s division.
In the women’s division, the Swire Shipping Sharks battle it out with the Remington Rhinos in a T20 match at Colts Ground 2. All matches start at 10:00am.