Assad Vala

Vala showed why he is regarded as one of the best batsmen this country has produced in an innings balanced between control and power as he scored the first century of this year’s Isuzu Cup.

Batting first, Black got off to a steady start and were 2 for 40 when Vala strode to the crease after Yellow opening bowler, Bobby Diho, grabbed the wickets of both openers.

Vala took 10 balls to get off the mark but from there, batted with authority, dominating the Black, scoring falling as the 9th wicket for 123 at better than a run a ball.

“I was very happy with the performance of our bowlers and fielders today and to restrict a quality opposition to 278 after the start they had. The bowlers were exceptional, especially the death bowling from Alei Nao and Norman Vanu,” said Vala.

The Scots ripped through the top order and won the match inside 43 overs.

“To be bowled out for 177 on a good wicket was very disappointing. We gave away soft dismissals, we didn’t get any partnerships going and overall we were very disappointed from our batting group.

Assad Vala said the competition will also help senior players in the Men’s and Women’s national teams impart their knowledge and skills to players who have dreams of representing the country.

“The Hebou Shield gives us the practice we need to prepare for international meets throughout the year. Also, we can teach the younger players how the game should be played on and off the field.

“It will definitely help lift the level of cricket,” said Vala.

HEBOU PNG Barramundis’ captain and batting star, Assad Vala, was named as a finalist for the ‘Male Athlete of the Year’ category, alongside Morea Baru (weightlifting) and Justin Olam (rugby league).

Vala made his mark on the international cricket scene in 2016 after having a stellar year with the bat for the HEBOU PNG Barramundis. He finished the year in second place in the ICC Inter-Continental Cup (ICUP) runs scorers on 559 runs at an amazing average of 93.17 runs after four (4) rounds. Only Ed Joyce (Ireland), former English Test Player, was ahead of him.

The 29 year old featured in all four round robin games for the Galaxy Gladiators Lantau, playing alongside the likes of Kumar Sangakkara and Jesse Ryder, in a team mentored by West Indian great Brian Lara.

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The captain of the Hebou PNG Barramundis has played three matches in the tournament rubbing shoulders with players from all over the world including Misbah-ul-Haq, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Johan Botha and Dwayne Smith.

In his first match against the Hung Hom JD Jaguars, Vala took 1/15 with the ball and was run out for a duck at his turn at bat.

Against City Kaitak, Vala made nine runs and took a wicket plus a catch in his side’s six wicket loss.

The Hebou PNG Barramundis’ Captain proved his worth playing amongst some of the world’s best finishing with 2/18 off his three overs to reduce Hong Kong Island United to 7/177.

Azeem Rafiq (2/22) was the other bowler for the Galaxy Gladiators Lantau who took two wickets.

Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq top scored for Hong Kong Island United after finishing unbeaten on 84 runs.

This was during the fourth match of the Hong Kong Twenty20 Blitz yesterday.

The Gladiators batted first and finished at 9/155. Batting at number four, Vala only managed nine runs before being dismissed by Rayad Emrit.

Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara top scored for the Gladiators with 42 runs.

City Kaitak made light work of the run chase scoring at 10.30 runs an over to reach the target in 15.2 overs.

In shortened 11 over per side match due to morning showers, the Hung Hom JD Jaguars posted an impressive 3/145 off their allotted 11 overs at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground.

International cricketing stars, James Franklin (58* off 27 balls) and Darren Sammy (52* off 19 balls) were the destroyers with the bat for the Hung Hom JD Jaguars putting on an unbeaten century partnership for the fourth wicket while Vala impressed with the ball taking 1/15 off two overs.