Papua New Guinea has once again outplayed United Arab Emirates in the CWC League 2. Registering just the fifth win in the entire series, PNG defeated UAE by 56 runs at TU Cricket Ground. Out of five wins, four have come against UAE.
After the defeat, UAE probably needs a victory in all three matches to save their ODI status, as they are behind the USA in the NRR. Meanwhile, Nepal are eyeing three consecutive wins to seal the direct spot in the World Cup Qualifiers, and they need only one victory to retain the ODI status.
Invited to bat first, PNG finished their 50 overs on 246/9. Despite an excellent start, they couldn’t capitalize to the big score after the failure of the middle order. Openers Kiplin Doriga and Hiri Hiri added 72 runs from the powerplay. On the next ball, Doriga was dismissed by Aayan Khan for 44-ball 55, smacking eight fours and two sixes. Hiri Hiri then added 112 runs with Sese Bau for the third wicket. He was sent back for 77 runs, followed by skipper Vala in the very next ball.
PNG, once at 184/1, could add only 62 runs for the next nine wickets after two quick dismissals. Sese Bau remained unbeaten for 81 runs playing 106 balls. Chad Soper and Norman Vanua contributed ten runs each.
For UAE, Aayan Khan was the pick of a bowler, grabbing three scalps (10-3-34-3). Junaid Siddique and Zahoor Khan also grabbed a couple of wickets, while Rohan Mustafa and Karthik Meiyappan pocketed one each.
In reply, UAE were settled for 190 in 42.2 overs. Riley Hekure, who grabbed a fifer against UAE in the previous match, picked up three wickets from 7.2 overs, conceding just 16 runs. Assad Vala and Kabu Morea dismissed two batters each, while Norman Vanua and Semo Kamea picked up one wicket each.
The newly appointed skipper, Muhammad Waseem, started the inning with an electrifying 27-ball 41; however, his side fumbled in the middle and saw the 16th defeat of the series. Aryan Lakra scored 51 runs, whereas the other batters were unable to do any special.
Sese Bau was adjudged as the player of the match for his anchoring inning.
