PNG lose first warm-up match

THE Papua New Guinea U19 cricket team started its world cup campaign on a positive note with a two-wicket loss to Ireland in their first practice match at the Selangor Turf club on Monday.
Opening batsman Heni Siaka got PNG off to a flying start when the Elevala youngster top scored with 81 runs off 115 balls which included eight fours.
Siaka and vice captain-wicket keeper Arua Dikana (23) laid the foundation when both men put in a 78 run partnership before Ireland’s all-rounder James Hall broke what could have been a dangerous partnership.
Earlier, Siaka and Alfred Amini got the run rate ticking with a splendid 43 run partnership before Ireland’s quick bowlers struck with Ben Ackland forcing Amini out his crease and Stuart Poyntens stumped him.
It did not look all too good for Amini either as he suffered a minor wrist injury which later examined by physiotherapist Michael Wilson was not too serious and the young Lae batsman should be okay for their next practice match on Sunday against India.
Hall featured strongly for his Ireland side with the bat and ball taking two wickets and hitting 70 (not out) to get his side past the target of 180 with two wickets in hand.
PNG’s bowling department sent shivers down Ireland’s spine with good bowling figures with captain and all rounder Collin Amini leading the attack with three wickets for 47 runs.
The other bowlers who also dominated the attack were Willie Gavera 2/24, Joel Tom 1/31, Jason Kila 1/19, Jacob Mado 1/29 while right arm fast medium Loa Nou (0/28) had a bad day with the ball.
Team manager Cheryl Amini said the first practice match at STC was a good build-up for the PNG side considering that they just lost by two wickets.