PNG outclassed by Sri Lanka Emerging
After a win each in their two T20 matches it was time for PNG and Sri Lanka Emerging to lock horns in the 50 over format of the game.
On this occasion Sri Lanka Emerging put in the most complete performance of the three matches to date to crush PNG by seven wickets.
The Barramundi's were dismissed for a paltry 105 runs in 32.4 overs before the star studded SL Emerging team chased down the target in a remarkable seven overs.
PNG won the toss and elected to bat first but lost opener Tony Ura LBW for a duck. PNG skipper Chris Amini soon followed out for just four.
Young Lega Siaka batting at number four joined Assad Vala and the pair began a PNG revival against a pace attack that included Sri Lanka A side and ODI bowlers S Boralassa and KM Bandarra.
The in-form Vala and Siaka braved the fiery attack to push the total to 2/70 forcing a chance in tactics for SL Emerging. This saw the introduction of their lethal spin attack who immediately sent Siaka on his way caught for 22 runs at first slip.
Vala was then joined by Vani Vagi and the pair kept the scoreboard ticking until Vala lazily scooped an easy catch to mid-wicket just shy of a half century.
Vala's departure with score at 4/101 in the 26th over left the match open for the Barramundi?s to post a challenging total but it was not to be. Vani Vagi got out the next over when he tried to charge at a ball spinning fiercely off R Budhika and PNG were 5/101.
Then things went from bad to worse. The next six 6 Barramundi?s batsmen Amini Junior (1), Vare (2), Kila (1), Riley Hekure (0) and Pipi Raho (0) could only manage to contribute a mere 4 runs and were bowled out for 105. On a turning wicket against Sri Lankan first class spin bowlers it was always going to be a hard time for the PNG middle order and lower order batsmen.
In reply the Sri Lankan batsmen wasted no time attacking the PNG bowlers to race to the target of 105 within 7 overs. Sri Lankan opening batsmen U Jayasundara smashed an impressive 53 of 35 balls and number 4 batsmen Yoshan Lanka clubbed a quick fire 22 runs of 5 balls to ensure a dominating victory for the classy SL Emerging side. The SL emerging side lost three wickets in their run chase but the paltry total of 105 did not threaten their strong batting dept.
PNG's head coach Peter Anderson summarised the Barramundi's performance as embarrassing especially when they lost seven (7) wickets for just 5 runs.
"We were at a very commanding position at 4/101 but we failed to post a big score. The boys committed to early to the spinners rather than give themselves some time and closely watch the ball particularly when you have their spinners spinning the ball a long way. The batsmen just gave into the spinners and played terribly bad shots. Playing spin bowlers is an ongoing issue for the PNG batsmen and they had some first class spin bowlers. This is an area we will definitely address before going into our next match," said the coach.
The PNG Hebou Barramundis will have a rest day on Sunday before playing their fourth match of the tour on Monday in a T/20 match against SL Emerging side and followed by another 50 over match on Tuesday.
Summary: Sri Lanka Emerging 3/106 (7 overs) defeated Hebou PNG Barramundi?s 10/105 (32.4 overs).
Batting - Assad Vala 47, Lega Siaka 22, Vani Vagi 16
Bowling - Charles Amini 2/60 (5 overs), John Boge Reva 1/15 (4overs)