Another clinical performance by the Kumul Petroleum Limited PNG Barramundis sees them secure their second berth in the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup after defeating a gutsy Philippines Carabaos side in match day 6 of the East Asia Pacific Qualifying Finals.
Going into the match, the Carabaos won the toss and decided to bowl first, putting Tony Ura and his captain, Assadollah Vala in the spotlight as they set up the foundation for the 100 run win over the Carabaos.
The Barras making use of the Power play, with both Ura and Vala showcasing their skills with the bat.
Both openers set up a partnership of 110 runs, Ura batting 61 from 31 balls, smashing five 6’s and three 4’s before Kepler Lukies spoiled the party, claiming the wicket of the veteran who was caught by Liam Myott in the 11th over.
Vala also scored himself a half century but would be caught out after a Surinder Singh special saw him get caught out by Hernie Isorena.
The Barras continued to show class with the bat, finding space in the field and making sure to make runs at any given opportunity, with the Barras setting a target of 229 runs in the first innings.
The second innings saw the Carabaos come out to bat but were immediately put under immense bowling attack by the home side, with the first wicket of Grant Russ falling to Kabua Vagi-Morea.
Despite the continuous onslaught from the Barra’s bowlers, the Carabaos held firm, scoring runs at their own pace and giving the Barras a run for their money.
Carabaos captain, Daniel Smith, although nursing a groin injury lead his boys in the front, batting 34 runs before Vagi-Morea claimed him as his second wicket.
With time catching up on the Philippines they managed to stick to playing their brand of cricket scoring runs a bit too late as they lost by 100 runs to the home side.
With this win, the Barras have now scored a second stint at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, which will be held in the U.S and West Indies.