Barras beat NSW by four wickets, face ACT today

THE  Papua New Guinea Barramundis beat the New South Wales XI by four wickets in another close encounter at Blacktown yesterday.
Batting first NSW posted 114/7 off their allotted 20 overs, with Ben Manenti (36) and Scott Copperfield (20 not out) the main contributors with the bat.
The Hebou-sponsored Barramundis bowlers were on their game with Alei Nao (2-14) and Willie Gavera (2-28) the pick of the bowlers.
In reply PNG got off to a shaky start, losing Tony Ura (2) and Vani Vagi Morea (2) early to leave the visitors in trouble at 19/2 after six overs.
Then Lega Siaka (21) and captain Assad Vala (30) steered the side out of trouble, before an unbeaten 20 off just 10 balls from veteran Mahuru Dai guided PNG to their first victory on tour with four wickets and two balls remaining.
The Barramundis travelled to Canberra immediately after the match to prepare for their T20 fixture against the ACT XI in the curtain raiser to the Australian Prime Minister’s fixture between Australia and Sri Lanka today at Manuka Oval.
Of the Barramundis squad Lega Siaka is the only player who has participated in a PM’s XI match having been part of a Michael Hussey-captained side in a match against England in 2015.
New South Wales XI 114/7 (Ben Manenti 36, Scott Copperfield 20 not out, Jordan Gauci 18; Alei Nao 2-14, Willie Gavera 2-28, Nosiana Pokana 1-7, Chad Soper 1-17) PNG 116/6 (Assad Vala 30 (24), Lega Siaka 21 (22), Mahuru Dai 20 not out; Devin Malone 2-11). PNG won by four wickets.