Siaka four-for helps PNG ease past Namibia
Lega Siaka returned career-best figures of 4 for 38 as Papua New Guinea completed a 199-run victory over Namibia in its ICC Intercontinental Cup match at Amini Park in Port Moresby on Wednesday (October 19).
Overnight 112 for 8 after being set 355 for victory, Namibia held on for an hour but eventually folded for 155, Siaka picking up both wickets on the final morning of the four-day clash. Siaka, 23, first packed off Bernard Scholtz, Namibia’s bowling hero, by having him caught by Assad Vala, the captain, for an obdurate 14. Scholtz, who finished with match figures of 11 for 170, was engaged in a stand of 59 for the ninth wicket with Wian van Vuuren, an effort that served to push the match to the final day.
Colin Peake, the No. 11, smashed two fours during his 11-ball stay in the middle when Siaka cut short the entertainment, having him caught by Sese Bau to help complete PNG’s second win in the competition in four games. Van Vuuren remained unbeaten on 28, the second highest score of the innings behind JP Kotze’s 36.
Norman Vanua had done the early damage during Namibia’s chase on Tuesday, dismissing the top three batsmen for a combined tally of five runs on his way to figures of 3 for 23.
Powered by an unbeaten 144 by Vala, PNG had posted 311 in its first innings before bowling Nambia out for 146, Siaka again in the forefront with 3 for 16. Even though it mustered just 189 batting a second time round, PNG had more than enough runs on the board to complete a comprehensive win.
Victory propelled PNG to fourth in the eight-team table at the conclusion of the fourth round of matches. PNG now has 40 points, with Ireland (80), Afghanistan (61) and the Netherlands (46) occupying the top three slots. Namibia remains in seventh position with 20 points, ahead of the United Arab Emirates (7).
