PNG Dominate Air Nuigini Supa Series
The PNG Hebou Barramundis claimed the 2012 Air Niugini Supa Series trophy in style with an emphatic 10 wicket drubbing over fellow rivals Hong Kong in the final.
It was a successful and dominating performance by the Barramundi's with comfortable victories over the four-day tournament against Hong Kong, Singapore and Gold Coast Select Side.
PNG began their campaign by sweeping through the 50 over format with comprehensive victories over Hong Kong and Gold Coast before they continued their momentum into the Twenty20 matches.
The Barramundi's breezed through the T20 round matches to book a spot in the final with comfortable victories over Gold Coast and Singapore but were tested right down to the wire against a fired up Hong Kong side where they managed to hold on and win by 7 runs in a high-scoring affair.
The second spot came down to the last match between Gold Coast and Hong Kong with the latter thumping Gold Coast by 75 runs to book a spot against the Barramundi's in the final.
Hong Kong was on fire in the round matches where they averaged 200 with the bat over the three T20 matches played during the rounds. They were very confident of causing an upset against the hosts.
The young Barramundi's side led by Chris Amini were outstanding in all facets of the games right from day one of the Air Niugini Supa Series.
The final was no different with PNG stamping their authority and class to finish the week in style with a complete performance against Hong Kong.
It was an all round effort from the Barramundi's with all bowlers bowling extremely well, backed up by some brilliant fielding. Joel Tom was the pick of the bowlers picking up the 3/17 with Mahuru Dai 3/25. Willie ?Steam Train? Gavera picked up 2/16 whilst Tony Ura also picked up a handy wicket to finish with 1/10. All bowlers were right on the money and never gave the Hong Kong batsman a chance to settle as they were dismissed for a lowly 100. Big hitting Afzal Tanwir was the best with the bat for Hong Kong top scoring with 22.
The chase was led brilliantly by the explosive pair, Tony Ura and Assad Vala, and they didn't disappoint as they tore apart the Hong Kong bowling attack to race to the target of 101 after 10.2 overs. Ura finished up on 44 not out with Vala top scoring with 55 not out. The pair showed their explosiveness in front of a packed Amini park with some powerhouse shots that entertained the crowd.
There was some outstanding performances in the T20 round matches with Assad Vala and PNG Garamuts skipper, Chris Kent recording centuries against Hong Kong and Singapore respectively. Vala scored an amazing 108 batting at number 3 against Hong Kong in the round matches whilst Chris Kent scored a brilliant 116 opening the batting against Singapore.
"I'm very happy with the way my boys have played over the four days. We had six under 19 boys and a debutant in the squad and they performed extremely well. Everyone had an opportunity to either have a bat or bowl and they all stepped up when they were given a chance. The senior boys led from the front brilliantly and the young boys followed suit. Once again our top order led the way in our batting and the rest of the batsman didn't really have a chance to have a hit. We even dropped Tony and Assad down the order to give the younger boys a chance and they continued where Tony and Assad left off, dominating the opposition bowlers," said an excited and happy skipper, Chris Amini.
"I want to thank Air Niugini for sponsoring this series. Without them these kinds of tournaments can't go ahead. Also like to thank the Cricket PNG staff and the ground staff for working tirelessly to have the grounds in tip-top condition. I'd also like to wish our Under 19 Hebou Garamuts the best of luck and hope they can take this winning momentum with them to the Under 19 World Cup,"
Tony Ura's outstanding tournament was capped off by being adjudged player of the tournament. Waqas Barkat of Hong Kong took away the batting honours whilst Shane Connors from Gold Coast picked up the bowling award.
