PNG Barramundi's complete clean sweep against Australian Indigenous
The Papua New Guinea Barramundi's team completed a clean sweep against the Cricket Australia Indigenous side on Tuesday. The Barramundi's side dedicated its performance this series to Sir Brian Bell, the patron of Cricket PNG who passed away on Sunday.
The Barramundi's were clinical in dispatching the young Australian side for the fourth time in four games by a margin of 149 runs in the 38th over. Mahuru Dai, recalled to the Barramundi's after a two-year absence from international cricket, capped off a brilliant series with 72 runs and bowling returns of 5-33 in the last match. This made his series figures of 186 runs @ 46.5 and 8-120 off 27 overs.
The ?Don't Drink and Drive' Challenge was the first international cricket series held on a turf wicket in Papua New Guinea history. Held at the home of cricket in Papua New Guinea - Amini Park, this series consisted of two Twenty20 matches and two 50-over matches.
The Amini Park precinct has been upgraded over the past 12 months from a difficult, dry, rutted series of almost-ovals into a genuine world-class cricket facility. The precinct now consists of four flat, well-grassed ovals, an Elite Training Academy complete with state-of-the-art gymnasium and an indoor sports centre, and two world-class turf wickets.
Over 10, 000 cricket fan's enjoyed these facilities and the experience of watching international cricket over the four-game series which saw the PNG Barramundi's complete a 4-0 series sweep.
At the conclusion of the final match of the series, Rarua Dikana, captain of the Barramundi's was proud to receive the Don't Drink and Drive Challenge Cup from Traven Clough, son of the late Sir Brian Bell.
Clogh spoke to the assembled teams and supporters at the conclusion of the match, "The Brian Bell Group of companies will continue to support cricket in PNG and we congratulate all on a series well played."
"The legacy of my father is that he left a giant footprint in the Community through his support of many things. His group of companies will continue to support cricket and other activities right across the community that lead to the development of young men and women in PNG".
Speaking in regards to the series clean sweep, coach of the Barramundi's, Andy Bichel said: "To win our first home series 4-0 on our own turf wickets was an outstanding result."
"For all the people who have helped us to come so far, I thank you. I think this is the start of something big for cricket in PNG."
Kelly Applebee, Senior Officer ? Indigenous Cricket for Cricket Australia said: "On behalf of Cricket Australia, I would like to thank Cricket PNG and its staff for being outstanding hosts."
"This has been a terrific opportunity for our indigenous cricketers to play overseas and experience international competition. I'm sure they will all benefit greatly from this experience."
"Cricket Australia continues to look for development opportunities for our indigenous cricketers."
Vince Copley, Co-Chairman of the National Indigenous Cricket Advisory Council said: "I'm very pleased that the tour has been successful with some close matches. I think both sides have benefited from the strong competition"
"It was good of Cricket PNG to invite us to be a part of launching their new turf wickets. I'm looking forward to a visit by PNG to Australia in the future to participate in the Imparja Cup and we will be working hard to achieve this upon our return home."