Vare, Ruma dominate Isuzu Lewas cricket bash

THE Isuzu Lewas Twenty20 Bash was dominated by Cricket Papua New Guinea Board 11 pair Naoani Vare and Tanya Ruma during yesterday’s double-header at Port Moresby’s Amini Park.
Both women had been in good touch and were again untroubled by Lewa Legends’ bowling attack.
In the morning game, Board were sent into bat by the Legends and opened with Vare and Baia John.
They shared an opening partnership of 64 before John was run out by Hannah Kalua for 34 off just 38 balls with three boundaries.
But the wicket did not relieve the pressure on the Legends bowlers as Vare (59 not-out) and Ruma (31 not out) saw out the remaining overs to post a highly competitive 1/139.
The pressure chasing a large total was immediately evident as the Legends batting order collapsed with only Kari Loa making it to double figures, finishing 11 not out.
Board’s bowlers had miserly figures in the 107-run win and an innings puncuated with four ducks, Mairi Tom was the best with 3/2 off her two overs.
The afternoon game was a tighter affair. With the Legends batting first, they reversed their fortunes, putting together a solid 6/126.
Captain Kaia Arua elevated herself to partner Sibona Jimmy at the top of the order with the pair getting the Legends off to a great start before Jimmy was dismissed for 34 and the score on 79.
Arua went on to make 43 off just 48 balls before being dismissed by Vicky Ara’a, Pauke Siaka added 14 before she was also caught and bowled by Ara’a who finished with 2/27.
The run chase was again led by Ruma and Vare, both looking very comfortable at the crease and batting well together.
Vare made another 38 runs to add to her 59 not-out in the morning game while this time it was Ruma who carried her bat through to victory on 64 not out.
Board won the game by seven wickets with Ruma deservedly having the honour of hitting the winning runs in the last over of the day.
Board picked up both games, thanks to their batting dynamos. The Legends bowling attack have some homework to do on Ruma and Vare before the their next game today.