Bernard Scholtz strikes, but Assad Vala holds firm with ton

Bernard Scholtz picked up five wickets for Namibia but Assad Vala carried Papua New Guinea with an unbeaten century on the first day of theirICC Intercontinental Cup match at Amini Park, Port Moresby on Sunday (October 16).

At stumps, PNG was 294 for 9 from 93 overs with Vala on 136 and Willie Gavera on 5. Scholtz, the left-arm spinner, had returned figures of 5 for 99 while Stephan Baard picked up two wickets.

PNG opted to bat first but got off to a poor start as Vani Morea (12) and Lega Siaka (5), the No. 3, fell to Namibia's pacers - JJ Smit and Baard respectively. The initial wickets gave a good base for Bernard's left-arm spin, having put PNG in some trouble at 35 for 2.

Bernard got going by having opener Tony Ura (28) stumped in the 22nd over and kept striking at regular intervals through the middle overs, dismissing Sese Bau (12) and Dogodo Bau (3) to leave PNG 101 for 5.

However, Vala continued to fight, taking PNG forward with a gritty knock after walking in at No. 4. He added 60 for the sixth wicket with Mahuru Dai, who then fell to Nicolaas Scholtz, Bernard's brother. At 187 for 7, Vala was running out of partners but John Reva, the No. 9, stood firm and added 95 for the eighth wicket with Vala.

Vala went past his century but Bernard struck twice late in the day to leave the game in the balance.

To see full scorecard, click here