Garamuts suffer defeat

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE national Under-19 men’s cricket team suffered a nine-wicket loss to World Cup heavyweights Pakistan in their final pool match at Queens Park Oval in the West Indies on Saturday.
The Garamuts won the toss and chose to bat first but were all out with 50 runs from 22.4 overs and, in response, Pakistan chased down the total in 12 overs.
Head coach Rodney Maha told The National yesterday that Pakistan came out very strong as expected by the Garamuts.
“We started batting strongly through Boio Ray and new partner Christopher Kilapat,” he said.
“After we lost Kilapat, who looked very sharp, we lost wickets in regular intervals.
“Pakistan’s bowling was very good. We were all out for 50 and Pakistan reached the score at the expense of one wicket.”
Kilapat scored 11 runs from 30 balls and the partnership with Ray took the score to 24 before Ray was dismissed. The other batsmen were unable to remain at the crease for longer spells against the Pakistan’s impressive bowling.
For Pakistan, Muhammad Shezad had outstanding figures, taking five wickets for only seven runs off 6.4 overs.
Junior Morea started PNG off on the right note, dismissing Muhammad Shehzad to have Pakistan in trouble in the first over.
Unfortunately, with a very low total to chase, Pakistan were able to re-group and cruise to victory in 12 overs without losing a further wicket.
Maha said despite the losses in the pool matches, the team were still keeping positive.
“We can play well to give ourselves a chance to be competitive in the plate playoffs,” he said.
“Besides the skills, giving a little more self-belief which is probably missing, I know the players can play.”
Maha’s men will now advance into the plate playoffs, with their next match against hosts West Indies on Wednesday.