After squaring the World Cricket League ODI Series, 1 all, with host Hong Kong on Sunday, the Hebou PNG Barramundis went on to play the decider yesterday.
Unfortunately, Hong Kong defeated the Barras by 7 runs in the decider.
The Barras will have a month’s rest before preparing for a busy 2017.
Though, the Hong Kong ODI Series turned out in the host’s favour, the Barramundis have a lot to smile about, for this year.
In May, they hosted a World Cricket League series for the first time, where they played against Kenya and defeated them 2 – nil.
In the months leading up to the Namibia meet, the Barras did exclusive tours in Australia; the most successful one was in the South Australia Cricket Association Campaign, where the Barras finished 4th amongst a tough field of competitors.
Skipper Vala became one of the top three favourites, when he recorded two half centuries and an unbeaten 113, when he became the second lead scorer in the 2016 SACA Premier League, where the Papua New Guinea side featured for two weeks, prior to their meet with Namibia.
Barras’ other lead Batsman, Willie Gavera, also made it to 3rd placing with 11 votes, alongside Maverick’s Harry Nielsen, and Western Grit’s Daniel Drew.
The month of October was successful for the PNG side again as host team; they managed a clean sweep in their 2-day series against Namibia for the Inter-Continental Cup, followed by 2 successful WCL ODIs.
After the Hong Kong decider match yesterday, Skipper Vala said it has been a successful year for his team, and they have gained a lot more than they have lost.
The loss to Hong Kong is not seen as a defeat, but a stepping stone, as they will enter 2017, as a bigger, better and stronger team.
They returned this afternoon.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Emirates will battle it out for the 2016 WCL title.
https://youtu.be/RcI2lO6gI9M
