Hebou PNG Barramundis’ Consultant Coach, Joe Dawes opened up to Cricket PNG after the disappointing result in the ICC Intercontinental Cup (ICUP) fixture against Hong Kong in Sharjah over the weekend.
Hong Kong inflicted Hebou PNG Barramundis’ heaviest ICC ICUP defeat after thrashing PNG by an innings and 29 runs in the Round 7 Fixture in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates on Friday.
The HEBOU PNG Barramundis were in the match heading into the third day, with Hong Kong only leading by 32 runs with two (2) first innings in hand.
“It was very disappointing to have the result we had despite the fact that the boys were in the match for the first couple of days. The boys fought hard with the ball and in the field but we put ourselves massively on the back foot with our batting in the first innings. To be 0/90 then get bowled out on a good wicket after winning the toss was very disappointing,” said Dawes.
Hong Kong Captain, Babar Hayat was the star, smashing an unbeaten 214 to give Hong Kong a lead of 111 runs before the Hong Kong bowlers of Ehsan Khan (5/13) and Ahmed (4/43) took nine (9) wickets between them to bowl out the Hebou PNG Barramundis for their lowest ICUP score of 82.
“Babar showed our guys how to bat in 4-day cricket. It is something we have to learn more about and something the boys will learn from as they play longer forms of the game. He was very patient and stuck to his game plan,” said Dawes.
One of the positives that Dawes took out of the ICUP fixture was how the Hebou PNG Barramundis fought hard in the field.
“We fought hard in the field which is the Barras way! We now have to show the same level of fight and commitment with bat in hand. The two (2) games coming up are important to us and we are looking to bounce back on wickets that suit our game better,” concluded Dawes.
The Hebou PNG Barramundis turn their attention to the ICC World Cricket League Championships (WCLC) Round 7 Fixtures against Hong Kong which will take place on Wednesday 6th and Friday 8th of December at the ICC Academy Ground 1.
The Hebou PNG Barramundis are currently sitting in second position on the ICC World Cricket League Championships (WCLC) on 16 points, trailing Netherlands who are on top of the standing on 18 points after Round 6.
The team that finishes top of the ICC WCLC Ladder at the conclusion of Round 7 will not only win the ICC WCLC but will also be included in the ICC 13-team One Day International (ODI) League which is due to commence in 2020.