The PNG U19 Garamuts started their tour campaign with a moral boosting win at the Gardens ovals in Apia, Samoa.

Date: Tuesday 6th August 2024

Match Day 1- vs Indonesia

PNG U19 Garamuts Captain Gaba Frank won the toss and sent in the Indonesians to bat and this paid dividends early as the Garamuts got the first wicket in the first over from the bowling of Ware Robin. The bowling started to be wayward from then on as bowlers missed their lines and they ended up with 30 wides in the extras department.

Fielding was also tough as the boys dropped 4 catches and missed 2 easy run out chances that could have made an impact on the score. Garamuts bowling picked up, however, in the latter stages with spinners Gaba Frank, Wallace Nou and Vagi Morea all bowling well to restrict the Indonesian batsman to singles and at the same time taking crucial wickets to end the Indos innings at 7/169 off their allotted 50 overs.

The Garamuts innings started disastrously for the PNG boys as Lekwa Nao was bowled on the 2nd ball of the first over and his opening partner Frank Naime also returning to the sheds in the 2nd over. Dauncey Tom and Vagi Morea both steadied the ship with a partnership of 35 but after Tom left the Garamuts looked to be in trouble with the score at 3 for 35 runs.

Captain Gaba Frank continued from his good form in the bowling by top scoring with 64 and getting his team near the finish line but he had to retire due to cramps with the team still needing 40 odd runs. Rarua Dikana jnr played the anchor role absorbing a lot of the Indonesians pace attack with a crucial partnership with Frank and he eventually got the team home with Sam Momo in the 37th over.

Gaba Frank was named Man of the Match by ICC officials after his 4 wickets for 35 and match winning batting performance of 64 that got the Garamuts home.

The Garamuts play their second game against Vanuatu but will have to fix up their fielding and bowling if they are to get their second win.

END

Compiled by: Rodney Maha

Team Manager/Assistant Coach