The Papua New Guinea Barramundis recorded their first win of the tour with a six-wicket victory against Guernsey in a men’s T20I warm-up match at College Field, Saint Peter Port, on Thursday, 14 August.
The game was the first between the sides and comes as Papua New Guinea prepares to travel to Jersey next week for round two of the ICC Challenge League tournament.
Batting first, Guernsey posted 165 for 6 from their 20 overs, led by Tom Nightingale’s 75 off 51 balls, which included nine fours and two sixes. He shared a 73-run fourth wicket stand with Zak Damarell, who struck 45 from 27 balls.
Earlier, Guernsey lost openers Josh Butler (13) and Lucas Barker (1) cheaply, but the middle order steadied the innings before late wickets slowed their momentum.
For PNG, Alei Nao impressed with the ball, taking 2 for 21, while Kabua Vagi Morea (1 for 30) and John Kariko (1 for 33) added key wickets by run outs from Sese Bau and Hiri Vare also helped restrict Guernsey’s scoring.
In reply, the Barramundis reached 168 for 4 in 19.2 overs to secure the win with four balls to spare.
Opener Sese Bau anchored the chase with a dominant 85 from 52 deliveries, hitting 13 fours and two sixes which he shared a 99-run partnership with Boio Ray, who contributed 46 off 35 balls.
Guernsey’s Charlie Forshaw was the pick of their bowlers, taking 3 for 29, including the wickets of Peter Karoho (7), Bau (85), and Kipling Doriga (0) in the 19th over.
Despite his efforts, captain Assadollah Vala (14 not out) and Hila George Vaieke Vare (9 not out) guided the barramundis home.
The standout performers were Sese Bau (85) and Boio Ray (46), alongside Guernsey’s Tom Nightingale (75) and Charlie Forshaw (3 for 29). Bau was named player of the match.
Barramundis coach John Ovia praised his side’s discipline under pressure, while acknowledging Guernsey’s challenge.
“Guernsey came hard at us, especially with the bat, but the PNG Barramundis stayed disciplined and trusted our batting,” he said.
The two sides will meet again this weekend in two 50-over matches at the KGV ground before PNG departs for Jersey for the ICC Challenge League.
Next up the Barramundis will face Denmark, Kuwait, Kenya, Jersey and Qatar, with the series running until 31 August.