Vala century takes Barras to victory

 THE PNG Barramundis recorded their second win on tour thanks to a blazing century from opener Assad Vala on Sunday. 

Vala’s 106 came off just 85 balls as he led the way at the top of the order to chase down Sri Lanka Emerging total of 192 inside 31 overs.

Earlier on, captain Jack Vare won the toss and elected to bowl first and the decision paid off as the new ball pairing of Willie Gavera and young PNG Under-19 fast bowler Nosaina Pokana got the Barras off to a solid start. 

Willie Gavera struck early in the 4th over taking the wicket of Rash Mika Opatha. Willie took his second wicket in his 5th over and Sri Lanka Emerging were 2-21 by the 9th over. 

The home side then consolidated for the third wicket to add 90 runs as they pushed their score to 123 in 22 overs before part time bowler, Vani Morea removed danger man Charith Asalanka for 71 runs. 

The PNG bowlers tightened their bowling after the break through Morea and Sri Lanka were suddenly on the back foot at 154/6 as Vani claimed his second wicket. 

The skipper brought back on his strike bowlers and was fruitful as they dismissed the remaining batsman for 192 in 42 overs.  

Willie Gavera picked up 2-28 with Nosaina Pokana 2-20, Charles Amini Junior 2-37 and Vani Vagi 2-9 all picking up two wickets each while Pipi Raho 1-28  and Raymond Haoda 1-27 chipped in with a wicket each. 

The PNG run chase began powerfully with Vala leading from the front with a brutal innings. 

He was ably supported by Lega Siaka who contributed 46 runs in the middle and Amini 12. 

The batting line up was reshuffled once again with Morea (4) opening the innings with Assad and Tony Ura (10) batted at No.3. 

Amini batted at No.4 while Lega Siaka batted No.5. 

The successful run chase came from the fifth wicket partnership between Siaka and Vala who added 124 runs to ensure PNG recorded their second win of the Sri Lanka tour. 

In other tour results, PNG (226)were beaten by the SL Emerging XI (228/7) on Saturday. 

It was a good batting display by PNG batsmen but their bowlers were not able to close down the match and they lost be three wickets.