Barramundis return from Australian T20 competition

THE Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis returned home this week after competing in their inaugural CDU Top End T20 tournament hosted in Darwin by Northern Territory Cricket.
The Cricket Australia co-sanctioned event included a Cricket Australia XI, Big Bash League (BBL) sides the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades as well as the Northern Territory state team.
The Top End tournament provided the Barras with tough competitive cricket against many of Australia’s rising young talents as well as seasoned internationals like D’Arcy Short playing for the NT XI. The Barras were competitive throughout losing two close matches to the Stars and the Northern Territory but were outclassed by the Cricket Australia XI and unable to defend 152 against the Renegades in their last game.
The tournament provided PNG’s national players the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of the coaching staff of the two BBL sides as well as other high profile Cricket Australia high performance staff.
PNG captain Assad Vala featured in the top 10 for batting performances during the tournament with a highest score of 60 against the Renegades.
Tony Ura struck a quick fire 50 against the NT and Norman Vanua played an important role with some power hitting in the middle to lower order.
The bowling was led by vice-captain CJ Amini with a respectable tournament economy rate of 6.22 picking up valuable wickets in three games.
Sema Kamea bowled some good spells with a standout performance against the Renegades taking 3-22 and Vanua backed up his all-round game with the ball as well.