The Hebou PNG Barramundis were defeated by 82 runs in their first One Day International match against United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
Knocks from Rameez Shahzad (87), Muhammad Usman (58) and Ghulam Shabber (50) gave the Barramundis a target of 292 to chase down.
On debut, Alei Nao was the best of the Barramundis’ bowlers with 2/47 off his ten overs.
The Barramundis’ run chase got off to a strong start with Tony Ura and Vani Vagi Morea putting an on opening partnership of 82 runs for the first wicket.
But losing Lega Siaka (9) and Assad Vala (4) put the Barramundis on the back foot.
Some fight from the middle order gave the Barramundis some hope at 5-169 needing 123 runs inside ten overs.
But it wasn’t to be as the last five wickets fell for six runs to have the Barramundis all bowled out for 210 in 47.3 overs.
Imran Haider was by far the best with the ball for UAE with 4/49.