Barras take apart HK to win South China Cup

THE Heboua Papua New Guinea Barramundis secured the South China Cup after beating Hong Kong by 73 runs in the second match of the 50-over series on Tuesday.
PNG got off to a promising start with openers Tony Ura (21) and Anthony Vare (29) putting on a 52-run opening-wicket partnership.
Then a steady fall of wickets saw the visitors slump to 119/6 in the 26th over when Charles Amini Jr was dismissed for a quick-fire 28 runs.
Some fighting performances from Sese Bau (16), Kipling Doriga (28) and Jason Kila (24) took the score to 169/8 in the 39th over before an amazing rear-guard performance from Norman Vanua (50 not out off 40 balls) and Chad Soper (30 not out) took the score beyond 250.
They put on an unbeaten 86-run stand for the ninth wicket to take PNG to an incredible score of 255/8. Eshan Khan (3-54) was the pick of the Hong Kong bowlers taking three wickets.
In reply, hosts Hong Kong were unable to get on top off PNG’s bowlers, losing wickets at regular intervals to be eventually bowled out for 182 in 40.1 overs.
Amini (4-42) continued his great form with the ball taking four wickets while Vanua (3-32) finished an incredible match picking up three wickets to go with his half-century with the bat.
Assad Vala (1-17) and Soper (1-21) also picked up a wicket each. Shahid Wasif (55) top scored for Hong with a fighting half century.
The final match of the South China Cup three-match series is on today.
Results: Tues, Oct 30 – Match 2: PNG 255/8 (Norman Vanua 50 not out, Chad Soper 30 not out, Anthony Vare 29, Kipling Doriga 28, Charles Amini Jr 28, Jason Kila 24, Tony Ura 21; Eshan E Khan 3-54) Hong Kong 182 all out (Shahid Wasif 55, Haroon Arshad 37; Charles Amini Jr 4-42, Norman Vanua 3-32, Assad Vala 1-17, Chad Soper 1-21). PNG won by 73 runs.
PNG lead series 2-0.
Fixtures: Thurs, Nov 1 – Match 3: PNG v Hong Kong.