Barras named for ODI series

THE PNG Barramundis will be led by Assad Vala and Charles Amini Jr heading into next week’s tour of Scotland.
The pair who took PNG to the gold medal at last month’s Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa, maintained their strong form with bat and ball in the recently completed Curtain Brothers T20 Smash tournament with Vala’s side Mariners claiming the title, while Amini playing for the Black Bass took wickets consistently and was among the top run scorers for his team.
Cricket PNG announced the national squad for the Aug 10-24 tour where they would play the first round of the CWC League 2 against the host nation and Oman, in Aberdeen. The triangular series would see each nation play each other twice in the 50-over format.
Coach Joe Dawes said: “The bulk of the team should show no surprises with many of the current players in good form throughout the recent T20 Smash tournament. We have two new faces in Gaudi Toka and Riley Hekure as well as Hiri Hiri returning to the squad.”
Meanwhile, the Barramundis squad had a chance to warm up against quality opposition before their tour when they took on a NSW Invitational side in the 50-over second game at Amini Park yesterday, their last hit out before leaving Port Moresby tomorrow.
NSW batted first, Nick Bertus showing the way again with an unbeaten 98 runs to follow on from his 111 on Monday.
Matt Gilkes with 34 was the next best NSW player in the visitors’ total of 213 total – they were bowled out in the 47th over.
Kipling Doriga (31 not out) guided the Barras home 216/7 in the 46th over for a three-wicket win.
The Barramundis won both games against NSW. Barramundis: Assad Vala (captain), Charles Amini Jr (vice-captain), Sese Bau, Lega Siaka, Nosaina Pokana, Kipling Doriga, Chad Soper, Hiri Hiri, Damien Ravu, Riley Hekure, Gaudi Toka, Simon Atai, Norman Vanua, Tony Ura.