BSP PNG Barramundis on top after Day 1 against Afghanistan

The BSP PNG Barramundis have taken the upper hand after Day 1 of the Inter-Continental Cup (I-Cup) Round 2 match against Afghanistan at Sharjah International Stadium yesterday after bowling Afghanistan out for only 144.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Afghanistan slumped to 5/97 at lunch on Day 1 thanks to a brilliant opening spell by BSP PNG Barramundis’ fast bowler, Chad Soper.

The mayhem continued after lunch, with Afghanistan losing regular wickets to be eventually bowled out for only 144 inside 40 overs. Norman Vanua continued his great form taking 4/36, while Soper (2/27) and Loa Nou (2/37) picked up a couple of wickets each.

Mohammad Shahzad (29), Ashghar Stanikzai (26), Sharafuddin Ashraf (25) were the main contributors with the bat for the Afghanistans.

In reply, the BSP PNG Barramundis got off to a shaky start, falling to 2/24 with Tony Ura (7) and Lega Siaka (0) being dismissed by Yasmin Ahmadzai. When Vani Vagi Morea (29) became Ahmadzai’s third wicket, the BSP PNG Barramundis slumped to 3/41 and were in danger for being dismissed for a low sore.

Sese Bau (34) and Assad Vala then steadied the innings, putting on a 50 run fourth wicket partnership before Bau was dismissed, leaving the Barramundis in a precautious position at 4/96 after 21 overs.

Mahuru Dai then joined Vala and batted brilliantly, knocking the Afghanistan bowling attack to all parts of the Sharjah International Stadium, putting on a classy 105 run partnership, to take the BSP PNG Barramundis out of trouble and into a strong position at 4/201.

Two late wickets, Vala (62) and Jack Vare (1) pegged back the Barramundis dominance, leaving the BSP PNG Barramundis at 6/205 at stumps, with Dai (67*) and John Boge Reva (0*) at the crease.

Match Summary (Stumps Day 1)

1st Innings

Afghanistan 10/144 (39.4) Mohammad Shahzad 29, Ashghar Stanikzai 26, Sharafuddin Ashraf 25, Norman Vanua 4/36, Chad Soper 2/27, Loa Nou 2/37

1st Innings

BSP PNG Barramundis 6/205 Mahuru Dai 67*, Assad Vala 62, Sese Bau 34, Vani Vagi Morea 29

BSP PNG Barramundis lead by 61 runs after Day 1

BSP PNG Barramundis Team (I-CUP vs Afghanistan)

Jack Vare ©, Assad Vala (vc), Lega Siaka, Sese Bau, Vani Vagi Morea, Mahuru Dai, John Boge Reva, Norman Vanua, Chad Soper, Tony Ura, Loa Nou, Charles Amini Jnr (12th), Reserves: Hiri Hiri, Nosiana Pokana