BARRAS CLINCH VICTORY WITH 2 WICKET WIN OVER SAMOA

The national men’s cricket team, Barramandis have defeated Samoa by two wickets in the Super Six stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier in Japan.

Samoa scored 112 runs and were all out from 20 overs after a strong bowling performance by PNG.

John Kariko took three wickets for 15 runs, while Alei Nao claimed three for 30 and Aue Oru took two wickets.

In reply, Png barras reached 115 runs for eight wickets from 20 overs in a tense run chase.

PNG maintained pressure throughout the first innings with regular wickets, preventing Samoa from building any major partnerships despite contributions from Samoa’s Darius Visser (31) and captain Sean Solia (23). PNG’s Kabua Morea also chipped in with 1/22, while Sese Bau, Lega Siaka and Skipper Assadolla Vala delivered economical overs to support the bowling effort.

PNG in the second innings, faced a difficult chase as wickets fell regularly against the Samoan side.

PNG lost opener Tony Ura early for 2 before Bau contributed 9 runs. Siaka added 15 runs, while Vala played a composed innings of 26 from 22 balls to steady the chase during the middle overs.

Boio Ray also made an important contribution with 22 runs from 28 deliveries as PNG attempted to rebuild after a shaky start that saw the side slump to 14/3 inside the opening four overs.

Nao stepped up with bat, producing a crucial unbeaten 15 runs from 12 balls to guide the Barramandis home alongside Morea.

Captain Assad Vala top scored with 26 runs, while Boio Ray added 22. Alei Nao finished unbeaten on 15 runs to guide PNG to victory.

Nao was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.

The win strengthens PNG’s chances of qualifying for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.