LEGA Siaka scored a memorable century to help Papua New Guinea crush Kenya by eight wickets in New Zealand yesterday.
The opening victory in Pool B of the One-Day Cricket World Cup qualifiers set the tournament alight.
Batsman Assad Vala joined Siaka in scoring a ton in New Plymouth as the Hebou-sponsored Barramundis chased down Kenya’s 249/9 with 43 balls to spare.
Siaka’s 103 runs came off 83 balls and saw the Hanuabada man hit 11 4s and four 6s, while Vala cracked 105 from 109 deliveries (eight 4s and six 6s).
Siaka lost opening partner Tony Ura for a duck as Kenya’s attack found traction on a flat Pukekura Park pitch.
But Siaka and Vala quickly put PNG back in the running for a million kina payout.
Kenya seemed to have a defendable total, with Collins Obuya’s 106 laying the foundation for their total.
Paceman Raymond Haoda Jr snared the 102-match veteran on his way to bagging 4-50. Mahuru Dai (1-19 off five overs) and Chris Amini (1-26 off eight overs) were economical.
Siaka brought up his century in style with a pull shot over square-leg for 6. He was eventually dismissed for a classy 103 with the Barras on 154/2. Skipper Amini joined Vala and the pair went through unbeaten to guide the Barras home with 8 wickets in hand.
Not to be outdone, Vala also brought up his entertaining century with a six over the bowlers head as he finished unbeaten on 105.
Amini was also unbeaten on 28 as the pair put on 96 for the third wicket to cruise past the target with ease.
The Barramundis have a light session today followed by some more practice tomorrow before taking on Uganda on Thursday at Pukekura Park. PNG need to finish in the top six of the qualifiers (top three in their pool) to access International Cricket Council development funding worth more than a K1 million.
PNG are second in Pool B on two points behind The Netherlands (155/3), who have a better net run rate after beating Uganda (152) by seven wickets with 119 balls to spare.
Match Summary: Kenya 249/9 (50 Overs) (Raymond Haoda 4/50, Pipi Raho 47, Mahuru Dai 1/17, Chris Amini 1/26, Willie Gavera 1/56) lost to Papua New Guinea 250/2 (42.5 Overs) (Assad Vala 105*, Lega Siaka 103, Chris Amini 28*) by 8 wickets.
The opening victory in Pool B of the One-Day Cricket World Cup qualifiers set the tournament alight.
Batsman Assad Vala joined Siaka in scoring a ton in New Plymouth as the Hebou-sponsored Barramundis chased down Kenya’s 249/9 with 43 balls to spare.
Siaka’s 103 runs came off 83 balls and saw the Hanuabada man hit 11 4s and four 6s, while Vala cracked 105 from 109 deliveries (eight 4s and six 6s).
Siaka lost opening partner Tony Ura for a duck as Kenya’s attack found traction on a flat Pukekura Park pitch.
But Siaka and Vala quickly put PNG back in the running for a million kina payout.
Kenya seemed to have a defendable total, with Collins Obuya’s 106 laying the foundation for their total.
Paceman Raymond Haoda Jr snared the 102-match veteran on his way to bagging 4-50. Mahuru Dai (1-19 off five overs) and Chris Amini (1-26 off eight overs) were economical.
Siaka brought up his century in style with a pull shot over square-leg for 6. He was eventually dismissed for a classy 103 with the Barras on 154/2. Skipper Amini joined Vala and the pair went through unbeaten to guide the Barras home with 8 wickets in hand.
Not to be outdone, Vala also brought up his entertaining century with a six over the bowlers head as he finished unbeaten on 105.
Amini was also unbeaten on 28 as the pair put on 96 for the third wicket to cruise past the target with ease.
The Barramundis have a light session today followed by some more practice tomorrow before taking on Uganda on Thursday at Pukekura Park. PNG need to finish in the top six of the qualifiers (top three in their pool) to access International Cricket Council development funding worth more than a K1 million.
PNG are second in Pool B on two points behind The Netherlands (155/3), who have a better net run rate after beating Uganda (152) by seven wickets with 119 balls to spare.
Match Summary: Kenya 249/9 (50 Overs) (Raymond Haoda 4/50, Pipi Raho 47, Mahuru Dai 1/17, Chris Amini 1/26, Willie Gavera 1/56) lost to Papua New Guinea 250/2 (42.5 Overs) (Assad Vala 105*, Lega Siaka 103, Chris Amini 28*) by 8 wickets.