Barramundis win opener

THE Hebou Papua New Guinea Barramundis started their Hong Kong tour on a positive note by easily beating Hong Kong ‘A’ by 139 runs in their opening T20 match of the West Pacific Cup at Mission Road yesterday.
PNG posted an imposing 214/3 with openers Tony Ura (32) and Asad Vala (39) getting the innings off to a perfect start by putting on 55 runs for the opening wicket.
Charles Amini Jr then made a quick 28 runs off 22 balls before and unbeaten 112-run partnership between Lega Siaka (37 not out) and Sese Bau (69 not out) took the total beyond 200.
Bau’s innings off 69 runs came off just 27 balls and included four boundaries and six 6s. Nusrullah Rana was the pick of the Hong Kong ‘A’ bowlers, taking 2-41.
In reply, Hong Kong ‘A’ were unable to get on top of the Barramundis’ bowlers, losing wickets on a regular basis and eventually being bowled out for only 75 in 16.3 overs.
Spin twins Jason Kila (3-11) and Amini (3-13) impressed with the ball taking three wickets apiece while seamer Chad Soper (2-18) picked up a couple.
In the morning, Hong Kong defeated Hong Kong ‘A’ by 87 runs.
The West Pacific Cup is a T20 Competition featuring PNG, Hong Kong and Hong Kong ‘A’ and will be played from Oct 23-27.
Result: Tues, Oct 23 – Match 1: Hong Kong 203/7 defeated Hong Kong ‘A’ 116/9 by 87 runs. Match 2: PNG Barramundis 214/2 (Sese Bau 69 not out, Asad Vala 39, Lega Siaka 37 not out, Tony Ura 32, Charles Amini Jr 28; Nusrullah Rana 2-41, Waqs Barkat 1-32) Hong Kong ‘A’ 75 (Raag Kapur 21, Jason Kila 3-11, Charles Amini Jr 3-13, Chad Soper 2-18). Papua New Guinea Barramundis won by 139 runs.
Fixtures: West Pacific Cup – Thurs, Oct 26 – 1.30pm PNG v Hong Kong; Fri, Oct 28 – 1.30pm final; South China Cup – Sat, Oct 28 – PNG v Hong Kong; Mon, Oct 30 – PNG v Hong Kong; Thurs, Nov 1 – PNG v Hong Kong.