Barramundis lose West Pacific Cup T20 final

THE Hebou PNG Barramundis went down to the hosts Hong Kong in the West Pacific Cup T20 final by seven runs on Saturday.
Batting first in the final Hong Kong posted an impressive 158/8 thanks to a quick-fire 72 runs off just 38 balls from Aizaz Khan at the top of the order.
Khan was ably supported by Waqas Khan, who made a valuable 39 runs off just 35 balls, in the middle order while for the Barramundis, Chad Soper (2-14), Jason Kila (2-24) and Norman Vanua (2-37) continued their great form with the ball during the series by picking up a couple of wickets each.
In reply, PNG slumped to 19/2 in the third over when both opening batsmen Tony Ura (13) and Anthony Vare (5) fell to Eshan Nawaz (3-20) and Tanveer Ahmed (1-24) respectively.
Then captain, Assad Vala, pictured, (55) and Kipling Doriga (56) put on a 115 run third-wicket partnership to take PNG in sight of victory. When Doriga was eventually dismissed, PNG still required 25 runs off 11 balls.
Unfortunately some tight bowling from Hong Kong at the death, restricted the Barramundis to only 151/5, falling eight runs short.
Eshan Nawaz was the pick of the Hong Kong bowlers taking three wickets.
Both team will now turn their focus to the South China Cup which is a three match 50-over Series between PNG which starts today. Result: Sat, Oct, 27 – Final: Hong Kong 158/8 (Aizaz Khan 72, Waqas Khan 39; Chad Soper 18/2, Jason Kila 2-24, Norman Vanua 2-37) PNG Barramundis 151/5 ( Kipling Doriga 56, Assad Vala 55; Eshan Nawaz 3-20). PNG won by seven runs.
Fixtures: South China Cup – Sun, Oct 28 – PNG v Hong Kong; Tues, Oct 30 – PNG v Hong Kong; Thurs, Nov 1 – PNG v Hong Kong.