Pakistan defeated PNG in their final game of the pool stage of the World Cup. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, the PIH Under 19 Cricket PNG side scored 50 all out, and in response Pakistan chased down the total to win with 9 wickets in hand after 12 overs.
Coach Rodney Maha noted it was “another tough day at the office with PNG bowled out for just 50 runs in 22.4 overs. We won the toss and decided to bat after fielding first for the last 4 matches. It has been very tough for the batters as they are starting positively against good bowling but aren’t staying in long enough.”
Promoted to opening, Christopher Kilapat top scored with 11 runs from 30 balls and together with Boio Ray were able to take the score to 24 before Ray was dismissed. Unfortunately no other PNG batters were able to stay in and progress the scoreboard against the impressive Pakistan bowling line up.
For Pakistan, Muhammad Shezad had outstanding figures, taking 5 wickets for only 7 runs off 6.4 overs.
Junior Morea started PNG off on the right note, dismissing Muhammad Shehzad to have Pakistan in trouble in the first over at 1 down for only 1 run. Unfortunately with a very low total to chase, Pakistan was able to steady and cruise to victory in 12 overs without losing a further wicket.
Coach Rodney Maha feels the team “is still keeping positive so that we can play well to give ourselves a chance to be competitive in the plate.”
Captain Barnabas Maha feels that the team is improving each day “I don’t think we are far from where we need to be to get started but we need to work harder for our runs against our opposition. One good individual score or partnership may give us a chance but we must be prepared to work hard.”
The PIH Under 19 Cricket PNG side now moves into the plate competition, with their next match against hosts the West Indies.