PNG Baramundis

A much more improved batting performance allowed the Barras to set a target of 244.

This was thanks largely to Sese Bau (44) and an unbeaten 76 from veteran all-rounder Mahuru Dai.

In their run chase, Hong Kong were at 3/170 in the 33rd over when the heavens opened up.

The downpour lasted for over an hour which forced the implementation of the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Hong Kong's new revised target was then set at 178 in 38 overs which they reached comfortably thanks to Hayat who hit the winning runs with a boundary.

Batting first, Southern Force was bowled out for a very competitive 269 inside 49 overs thanks to a brilliant century from opening batsmen Carey (118). Carey was ably supported by Gregory (55) and Patel (31*).

After an opening partnership of 65, the HEBOU PNG Barramundis pegged back the Force batsmen, with Willie Gavera leading the way in his first competitive match for the Barramundis in over 12 months taking 4/34 in nine overs.

Since returning from ODI matches in Darwin, Australia last month, the team took a three week break and resumed training yesterday as they gear up to play Kenya.

Baramundis captain Jack Vare said they will maintain the session through the seven weeks.

The series will be played at the home of the Barra’s, the Amini Park in Port Moresby.

“The boys have been away for quite a while since last year attending matches in Australia and training overseas and needed a timeout with families,” Vare said.

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.

The Barras are coming off two wins in their practice matches held last Thursday and over the weekend.

Barras Head Coach, Dipak Patel was pleased with the build-up to the Nepal match.

 “However, our young inexperienced bowling attack is a little under done in specific match preparation, planning and strategies.”

“Our batting is in excellent shape with all the batsmen showing great form and the plans and strategies are where we'd like to be.