Barras Tie 1st ODI with USA

The Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis were involved in a thrilling first match of the CWCL2 series at Amini Park on Sunday, finishing tied with the USA. The large crowd were on the edge of their seats as the Barras inched towards their target in fading light only to lose their last wicket on the penultimate ball leaving the scores level.

Captain Assad Vala won the toss and sent the Americans in to bat in steamy conditions. The bowlers had immediate impact having the opposition in trouble at 4/34 in the 7th over as Sema Kamea ripped through their top order. Malhorta 53 (44) & Singh 58 (90) then combined for a 77-run stand with the USA eventually bowled out for 205 in the 47th over. Kamea finished with 3/36 and was well supported by Damien Ravu 2/19 and Chad Soper 2/42.

In reply the Kumul Petroleum Barramundis also struggled against the new ball bowlers and had difficulty finding scoring opportunities, after 19 overs the run rate was slow and they too were four down for only 49. A partnership was needed, and it was the captain Vala 40 (52) and Sese Bau 70 (96) that dragged the side back into the contest. The Barras were closing in on the target and with Soper hitting a six in the 49th over the win was in reach unfortunately Bau was dismissed on the last ball of that over with a win still 4 runs away.

The noise from the stands represented the anticipation of victory as Kinjige took the bowling duties for the last over under immense pressure. He picked up the wicket of Chad Soper very first ball bringing number 11 Kamea to the crease. After a nervous single and with the scores level Kenjige got one through, bowling Kamea to record the 42nd ever tie in ODI history.

Sese Bau was named Kumul Petroleum player of the match and although happy with the award was disappointed the win eluded the Barras. The Coaching staff felt the same with Coach Coles lamenting one that got away but confident the team would bounce back on Tuesday in the return match.