PNG go down by eight wickets

THE warm-up match between Papua New Guinea and England yesterday in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under 19 Cricket World Cup saw England walk over PNG with an eight-wicket victory.
After winning the toss, the English lads elected to take the field and did a pretty good job by annihilating the PNG batting order for just 141 in 46.3 overs.
The PNG Garamuts’ batting order against England was Lega Siaka, Roge Roge, Heni Siaka, Tony Ura, Vagi Oala, Sese Bau, Jason Kila (Capt), Steven Eno, John Boge Reva, Timothy Mou, Raymond Haoda Jr and12th man Toua Tom.
Despite efforts from Lega Siaka (20), the explosive Tony Ura (29), Sese Bau (33) and former captain John Boge Reva (18 not out), all scoring double figures, the English had the upperhand with a 5.96 run rate over PNG’s 3.03.
Roge and Siaka did not have the chance to score runs when they were caught out early with Lega Siaka also going out leg before wicket (LBW). Team vice-captain Charles Amini Jr did not have a chance in the lead-up match yesterday as he is currently under treatment for a staph infection but is expected to be fit for the pool matches.
While defending their total, the Garamuts led by skipper Jason Kila went into the field all fired-up, however, could not contain England’s batting order.
Nevertheless, the PNG bowling attack managed two quick wickets from the hand of John Reva caught by Roge and Lega Siaka.
But it was the English opener Joe Root, who disappointed the Garamuts smashing 72 runs off 77 balls with five 4s and two 6s to lead his team to victory with the winning total of two for 145 in just 24.4 overs.
Today, the Garamuts play the United States in their opening match of the World Cup.