Ura shines despite loss

TONY Ura delivered a master class performance with the bat despite PNG going down by 14 runs to Namibia during their last Twenty20 warm-up match on Sunday.
Ura hit 69 runs from 43 balls in PNG’s 175-run chase at the International Cricket Academy in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The Barramundis won the toss and elected to field first with PNG’s Nosaina Pokana dismissing Namibian opener Stephan Baard in the first over.
Namibia would find their groove afterwards with Craig Williams (57 from 43), Johannes Smit (48 from 34) and Zane Green (26 from 24).
Pokana and skipper Assad Vala grabbed two wickets each while Chad Soper and Charles Amini grabbed a wicket each with Namibia reaching six for 174 at the end of their 20 overs.
PNG’s run chase was led by Ura who commanded a strong innings after Vala was bowled out early by Bernard Scholtz.
Charles Amini (25 from 20) would link up with Ura to carry PNG’s tally before he was taken out by Ben Shikongo in the ninth over while Ura dismissed in the 13th over.
Simon Atai (28 not out) provided an extra boost for the Barras however PNG would fall short on runs with a score of six for 160 at the end of 20 overs.
Following Sunday’s match the Barramundis will now have a week’s break before they appear for their maiden T20 World Cup match against Oman on Sun, Oct 17.
PNG will play Bangladesh, Oman and Scotland in the group stage of the world cup starting this weekend.