Vanua and Vala shine for Barramundis on tough day

Norman Vanua and Assad Vala starred for Hebou PNG Barramundis on Day 2 of the Inter-Continental Cup (I-Cup) Round 3 match against Ireland in Townsville yesterday.

Vanua took a career best 5/59 with the ball to help restrict Ireland to 289, while Vala made a brilliant unbeaten century to steer the Barramundis to 7/166 at stumps on Day 2.

Starting the day at 5/232, Ireland managed to only score a further 57 runs before being bowled out for 289 before lunch.

Barramundis’ opening bowler Vanua was the chief destroyer taking a career best 5/59 while John Boge Reva (2/25) picked up a couple of wickets.

“I was very pleased with my bowling efforts, especially today. I was a bit wayward yesterday but today it was probably the best I have bowled,” said Vanua after the day’s play.

“I must give a special mention to Billy (CPNG Strength & Conditioning Coach) and Dipak (CPNG Head Coach) for getting me right this game after suffering an injury before Christmas,” said Vanua.

In reply, Barramundis got off to a disastrous start with Irish opening bowler Tim Murtagh dismissed and Vani Vagi Morea (0) caught behind off the fourth ball of the innings.

Vala and Lega Siaka managed to negate the tricky session before lunch at 1/28 at lunch.

In a tough afternoon session, Barramundis lost Siaka (13) and Sese Bau(4) to be 3/50 inside 20 overs.

Veteran all-rounder, Mahuru Dai then joined Vala to steady the innings with Vala hitting a well compiled half-century against a very strong Irish bowling line-up.

Vala and Dai looked like they were going to bat until tea, before a quick bouncer by Chris Young undid Dai to leave the PNG Barramundis at 4/90 at tea.

The afternoon session was a grind for the Barramundi batsmen, eventually closing the day at 7/166 with Vala reaching triple figures just before stumps.

“I am very tired at the moment,” said an exhausted Vala after the days’ play.

“It was very pleasing to score my second I-Cup century against the top team in Ireland. It was probably the best I have batted, considering the conditions and a very good bowling attack. Ireland currently has the upper hand, but we must try and get close to their score as possible. There is still a lot of work to be done,” concluded Vala.

The HEBOU PNG Barramundis will resume on 7/166 on Day 3, with Vala (104*) and Vanua (4*) at the crease. Murtugh (3/30), Boyd Rankin (2/16) and Young (2/36) were the wicket takers for Ireland.