U19s go down fighting

 PAPUA New Guinea went down to New Zealand U19’s by 6 wickets over night out at Abu Dhabi Oval 1. After demoralizing loss against India U19 a couple of days ago, the Garamuts regrouped to show some fight against New Zealand. The loss sets up a second encounter against Scotland U19 later today (3.30pm PNG time) for the 13th place play-off semi-final.

Hebou PNG Garamuts captain Dogodo Bau won the toss and elected to bat first as they looked to restore some credibility to their batting. Opening pair of Kiplin Doriga and Riley Hekure went about it in an impressive opening stand of 86 by the 26th over. The departure of Hekure sparked a mini collapse as the Garamuts slumped from 1/86 to 5/105. Kiplin Doriga (50) top scored to register his second half-century of the tournament but wasn’t able to go on to make a big one. A crucial 56 run partnership for the sixth wicket between Hiri Hiri (37) and Tom Willie (27) got the Garamuts back into the game but soon fell apart once again with another collapse to be all out for 186 after 48.3 over’s. In reply, New Zealand U19 was made to work hard for their victory despite losing only four wickets. The experienced New Zealand side strung together several crucial partnerships as they cruised past the Garamuts total with 22 balls and 6 wickets remaining. Nosaina Pokana (1/36) and Alei Nao (1/37) was the only wicket takers with two run outs also affected. Half-centuries from Ken McClure (51) and Robert O’Donnell (57) ensured New Zealand a six-wicket victory. Hebou Garamuts now take on Scotland today (24th Feb) at Abu Dhabi Oval 1 for the 13th Place semi final match.