Team Red consolidate second spot in Isuzu Cup

ISUZU Red put together back-to-back wins to consolidate second position on the Isuzu National Cup ladder after grabbing a five-wicket win over Isuzu Yellow in the fourth round of competition in Port Moresby.
Isuzu Yellow won the toss and elected to bat, their line-up boasting the return of Sese Bau and late inclusion of former Papua New Guinea Barramundi Mahuru Dai.
After losing both young openers early and then Norman Vanua falling without scoring to Alei Nao, it was left to Jason Kila and the returning Bau to steady the innings.
Kila responded well, taking part in two valuable partnerships with Bau (32) before he was out (leg before wicket) to Hiri for 17 and then Riley Hekure (68) before Kila was dissmissed for 47.
Yellow were all out for 195 runs in their innings.
Red’s chase got off to a steady start with Dogodo Bau (17), Tanti Heni (16) and then Nicani Heni (23), batting at No.3, all with contributions.
From there, the run chase was well controlled by the experienced Barras in the Reds line-up.
Hiri Hiri put together a composed innings of 61, occupying the crease with Tony Ura before he was dismissed by Kila.
Charles Amini Jr (20) joined Ura as they crusied towards victory.
Unfortuanately, Amini was out nine runs shy of the target.
Ura was still at the crease on 43 not out when young Hila Vare stroked a boundary to secure the five-wicket win.
“It was a good win by Red, they were controlled and patient in the chase with all batsmen making a contribution,” natioanl assistant coach John Ovia said.
“Yellow obviously missed Kipling Doriga at the top of the order, but it was a good effort by Hekure and Kila in a losing side.”