PNG U19s prepare for World Cup with big win

PNG middle order bat, Vagi Oala was in scintillating form on Friday when he hit a superb 86 to help the PNG under 19s record a 80 run victory against the EAP Emerging squad in Brisbane.

Oala came into bat in cloudy and humid conditions with PNG in early trouble at 3 for 60 after the EAP opening bowling Patrict Mataatavua (Vanuatu) claimed 2 for 12 in his 7 over opening spell to be the chief destroyer. Oala hit 8 fours and 2 sixes on his way to a well-compiled 86 to help PNG to 231 all out in the 47th over.

Charles Amini who would usually be wearing the PNG colours opened the batting for the EAP side and was the only player to trouble the PNG attack with a fine 52. Tukana Tavo (Fiji) came in at 10 to help the score past 150 with some lusty hitting. Toa Tom claimed 3 for 20 off his 5 overs to be the best bowler for the PNG side though he was well supported by Raymond Hoada Junior and Jason Kila.

The PNG U19s squad will leave for New Zealand tomorrow as part of their ICC U19 Cricket World Cup campaign, while the EAP squad have returned home after a busy week at Cricket Australia's Centre of Excellence.

Result: PNG all out 231 (Oala 86, Mataatavua 2/12) defeated EAP Emerging all out 151 (Charles Amini 52, Tom 3/20)