Barras beat ACT XI by three runs

The Hebou PNG Barramundis defeated ACT XI by three runs in a thriller in the curtain raiser to the Prime Minister’s XI match at Manuka Oval, Canberra yesterday afternoon.

After losing the toss and being sent in to bat on a warm day in Canberra, the Barramundis got off to a shaky start after being reduced to 3/34 in the sixth over.

Left-handed batsman, Sese Bau (14) joined his captain, Assad Vala to resurrect the innings to put on 33 runs for the fourth wicket before Bau was dismissed by Ben Taylor to leave the Barramundis on wobbly grounds at 4/67 in the 11th over. 

Dogodo Bau was then dismissed in the next over before veteran all-rounder, Mahuru Dai came in and with the assistance of Vala took the score to a very respectable 9/156 off their allotted 20 overs.

Vala was dismissed in the second last over for a very classy half century. Vala’s 59 run innings came off just 45 balls which included four boundaries and two massive sixes.

Dai on the other hand hit a whirlwind 34 off just 21 balls which included five boundaries.

For ACT XI, Charles Morris (3/33) and Joe Slater (3/25) were the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, the Barramundis got off to the perfect start with Chad Soper picking up Aiden Blizzard off the first ball of the innings.

Jono Dean (52) and John Rogers (40) took the game away from the visitors, putting on 95 runs for the second wicket.

Despite the dominant efforts by ACT XI, the Barramundis kept fighting despite a sub-standard fielding performance, with Soper eventfully dismissing both Dean and Rogers. The Barramundis took the game to the last over with ACT requiring 9 runs off the last over.

Enter “Mr Reliable”, John Boge Reva who bowled a superb last over to restrict the home team to only 5 runs and see the Barramundis home to a historic victory.

Soper was the best of the bowlers taking 3/36 off his four overs, while Willie Gavera took a single wicket.  

The HEBOU PNG Barramundis fly back to Port Moresby today and will turn their attention to the United Arab Emirates Tour in March.

Match Summary

HEBOU PNG Barramundis 9/156 (20) Assad Vala 59 (45), Mahuru Dai  34 (21), John Boge Reva 13 (6), Charles Morris (3/33), Joe Slater (3/25) defeated ACT XI 7/153 (20) Jono Dean 52 (37), Charles Rogers 40 (39), Chad Soper 3/36 (4), Willie Gavera 1/31 (4) by 3 runs.  

 

 

 

Author: 
Troy Taule