PNG beat Hong Kong, win series

BIG-hitting opener Tony Ura, pictured, clubbed 70 runs off 59 balls and paceman Norman Vanua smashed an unbeaten 61 off 37, to help the Hebou PNG Barramundis wrap up the international 50-over series with a comfortable 139-run victory over Hong Kong at Amini Park yesterday.
Needing a win to keep the series alive, Hong Kong won the toss and sent the Barramundis into bat.
PNG got off to a steady start reaching 46/2 after 10 overs after losing Kipling Doriga (12) and Assad Vala (2) early.
Then the in-form middle order of Charles Amini Jr (62), Sese Bau (32) and Lega Siaka (26) lifted the scoring rate with Ura anchoring the innings.
Late order hitting from Vanua then took the score past 300 for the second consecutive match and eventually reached 319/8.
Raag Kapur (2-39) and Ehsan Khan (2-79) were the pick of the Hong Kong bowlers, taking two wickets apiece.
In reply, Hong Kong got off to a great start, before the Barramundis took control, taking wickets at crucial times to dismiss Hong Kong for only 180 in 45.4 overs.
Anshuman Rath (33) and Waqas Khan (33) top scored for Hong Kong, scoring 33 runs apiece while Damien Ravu continued his great form with the ball for PNG taking 3-35 off eight overs.
Lega Siaka (2-25) also picked up a couple of wickets with his leg spin.
Ura was named the player-of-the-match.
The result means PNG take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series with the final game tomorrow.
Result: Wed, Oct 10 – 50-Over Series – Match 2: PNG Barramundis 319/8 (Tony Ura 70, Charles Amini Jr 62, Norman Vanua 61 not out, Sese Bau 32, Lega Siaka 26; Raag Kapur 2-39, Ehsan Khan 2-79) Hong Kong 180 all out (Anshuman Rath 33, Waqas Khan 33, Mohammad Nizakat Khan 23; Damien Ravu 3-35, Lega Siaka 2-25). PNG won by 139 runs. PNG lead series 2-0.
Fixture: Fri, Oct 12 – 10am PNG v Hong Kong.