Afghanistan defeated PNG in their first game of the World Cup. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Afghanistan scored 200 all out and in response PNG were all out for 65. Coach Rodney Maha was pleased that the PIH Under 19 Cricket PNG side restricted Afghanistan to an achievable target “Katenalaki Singi had a great debut match with figures of 4/18 and Rasan Kevau continued to take regular wickets with 3/23. Our innings started disastrously with Peter Karoho bowled off the first ball of the innings. Unfortunately, we were never able to get in the game with regular wickets falling to the quality bowling of the Afghanistan team.” Captain Barnabas Maha added “I was really happy about the bowling and fielding where we put a lot of pressure on Afghanistan. Special mention goes to Katenalaki for taking 4 wickets today. The Afghanistan team has the best bowling attack we have faced, with faster bowlers who can move the ball both ways. It was a good experience for us to learn from. I believe we are on the right track to improve and learn from this tour.” For PNG the player of the day was undoubtably Katenalaki Singi, who started with nerves and finished with wickets. “I was very nervous and bowled 4 wides to start. I settled down with support from the team, and that support gave me the drive to settle down and take 4 wickets. I want to thank Amoiha Cricket club in Alotau, my family and people of Milne Bay and all of PNG for their support.” The PIH Under 19 Cricket PNG team next take on one of the favourites for the tournament, Pakistan, which will be an exciting opportunity for our team.