Twenty20 tourney running with protocols to protect Barramundis

THE first round of the Boroko Motors Isuzu Twenty20 Bash got under way at Amini Park on Tuesday with the series running over the next two weeks with the final on Aug 22.
The Isuzu Bash will be played under strict protocols with Cricket PNG vigilant on keeping the Barramundis safe prior to their World Cup departure. Tournament director Rodney Maha said: “We had to structure this tournament as basically an intra squad series, all players have effectively been in a bio secure environment and it is important to keep the integrity of this protocol so we have no complications prior to their international departure.”
National coach Carl Sandri is confident the tournament format would not hinder preparation.
“Having intra squad competition was necessity for safety but it also gives the players plenty of competitive game time against each other,” he said.
“We are thankful Boroko Motors stepped in to help after we unfortunately had to withdraw from the Darwin tournament, it’s also great that the Lewas are included and are back playing in preparation for their upcoming World Cup qualifier.”
Cricket PNG has been able to provide their own live streaming of this tournament for the first time giving supporters a chance to watch the Barramundis T20 action prior to their departure to the ICC World Cup.
Cricket PNG also paid tribute to all past players, coaches and administrators in their World Cup journey by naming the teams the Legends representing past players and the Board XI representing the support staff and administrators who have served Cricket PNG since 1973.
With the opening mens games, honours were shared on day one. In the morning game the Board XI won the toss and batted first reaching 9/124 off their 20 overs. There batting line up was consistent with runs coming for Kipling Doriga (20), Assad Vala (21), Hiri Hiri (20) and Dogodo Bau (16). The bowling attack for the Legends was led by Riley Hekure 3-14 and Sese Bau 2-21 off their alotted four overs.
The Legends started the chase well with Tony Ura 26 (16), Lega Siaka 17 (22) but sadly lost a lot of quick wickets from there on, with the only other batsmen to reach double figures being Alei Nao with 14 batting at number nine.