Match 31, Dubai, October 25, 2019, 11:30 AM
180/4(20ov)
137/9(20ov)
Papua New Guinea beat Singapore by 43 runs
That is it from us. So Papua New Guinea have qualified for the 2020 T20 World Cup. Now you can join us for the next match between Kenya and Namibia. Take care and goodbye.
Papua New Guinea skipper Assad Vala says it has been a brilliant performance from the boys. Adds they got a good score on the board and the bowlers did well to defend it. Finishes by saying they are happy with their performance.
Singapore captain Amjad Mahboob says credit goes to Papua New Guinea because they bowled and batted well. Adds they should have done better than this and would look to improve in future.
Man of the Match is Damien Ravu for his outstanding bowling performance of 4/18.
On the other hand, Singapore were very poor with the ball. Their batsmen also did not apply themselves and that caused their downfall. They lacked fight and intent also. Only Tim David was the top scorer for them with 44.
What a performance by Papua New Guinea. They have qualifed for the 2020 T20 World Cup. It has been an all-round performace from them. They have been clinical in all departments. Their batting was outstanding as Charles Amini and Kiplin Doriga's partnership proved to be crucial.
19.6
.
Play and a miss! On a good length and outside off, Dixit looks to slog but misses it. PAPUA NEW GUINEA WON THE MATCH BY 43 RUNS!
19.5
6
SIX! Good shot. Full on middle, Dixit lofts it over the bowler's head for a maximum.
19.4
1
Full delivery on off, Baskaran drives it to long off for a run.
19.3
1
Full delivery on middle, Dixit flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.
19.2
1
On a good length and outside off, Baskaran looks to go for a big shot but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen take a single.
19.1
1
On a good length on off, Dixit dabs it towards third man. The batsmen cross ends.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
2
0W
Nosaina Pokana 28/1(4)
18.6
1
Full on middle, Dixit drives it through mid on for a single.
18.5
.
Good length delivery outside off, Dixit leaves it alone.
18.4
1
On a good length on off, Baskaran plays it towards point for a single.
18.3
1
Full on middle, Dixit drives it towards mid on. The batsmen cross ends.
18.2
2
Length delivery on middle, Dixit flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Avi Dixit is the new batsman in.
18.1
W
OUT! BOWLED! Singapore lose their ninth wicket. On a good length on off, Mahboob looks to for a slog and gets bowled. This is good bowling by Papua New Guinea.
Pokana is back into the attack.
In over# 1
1
0
0W
1
2
2
Norman Vanua 19/1(3)
17.6
1
Bowls a yorker on middle, Mahboob does well to dig it out. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a single.
17.5
.
Bowls a yorker on middle, Mahboob does well to dig it out.
Amjad Mahboob is the new man in.
17.4
W
OUT! BOWLED! Full toss on leg, Param looks to flick but gets an inside edge and gets bowled. Singapore lose their 8th wicket.
17.3
1
The batsman has driven it through mid off. The batsmen have run through for a single.
17.2
2
Short delivery on middle, Baskaran pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
17.1
2
Full on off, Baskaran drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.
Norman Vanua is back into the attack. 2-0-13-0 his figures so far.
In over# 1
3
0
1
2
0
1
Damien Ravu 18/4(4)
16.6
3
Length delivery on middle, Baskaran flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get three runs.
16.5
.
Short of a length delivery, Baskaran looks to pull but misses it.
16.4
1
Length delivery outside off, Parmar looks to cut but gets an outside edge. It goes towards the keeper in one bounce and he does well to stop it.
16.3
2
The batsman plays the square cut. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs.
16.2
.
The batsman has pushed it to the cover region.
16.1
1
Full on middle, pushed down to long on for a single.
In over# 1
4
1
1
1
1
0
Assad Vala 16/1(3)
15.6
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Floated delivery on middle and leg, Param sweeps it over short fine leg for a boundary.
15.5
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Baskaran nudges it towards square leg for a run.
15.4
1
Tossed up outside off, Param looks to sweep but misses it. It hits the keeper's helmet and goes towards the off side. The batsmen take a single.
15.3
1
Tossed up on middle, Baskaran hits it towards long on for a single.
15.2
1
On middle, chipped over the bowler towards long on for a single.
15.1
.
Full and around middle, Navin looks to play the reverse sweep but misses and is hit on the pads.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
0W
1wd
2
Damien Ravu 11/4(3)
14.6
.
Bowls a bouncer, Baskaran does well to duck under it. 3 runs and 2 wickets from the over. A productive over for Papua New Guinea.
14.5
.
On a good length on off, Baskaran defends it out.
Vinoth Baskaran comes in at number 9, replacing Prakash.
14.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Second wicket in the span of 3 balls. Ravu gets his 4th wicket of the innings. Full toss on off, Prakash looks to go over covers but does not get the timing on it. It goes straight towards the cover fielder where Vala takes a good catch.
14.3
.
Full on off, Prakash drives it to covers.
Janak Prakash comes in next, at number 8, replacing David.
14.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Length delivery on off, David lofts it over wide mid off but does not get the distance. It goes towards wide long off where substitute Reva takes a comfortable catch.
14.2
1wd
WIDE! Bowls it wide outside off, David lets it go.
14.1
2
Full and outside off, David slashes it over point. The batsmen pick up a couple. 100 up for Singapore.
Damien Ravu returns. 2-0-8-2 so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
1
1
Assad Vala 8/1(2)
13.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Param tucks it to mid-wicket.
13.5
.
Tossed up on off, Param looks to play a reverse sweep but gets hit on the thigh pad. The keeper appeals for a caught behind but the umpire shakes his head.
13.4
.
Full on middle, Param drives it to mid on.
13.3
1
Flighted delivery on middle, David flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
13.2
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Param sweeps it towards square leg for a run.
13.1
1
Short delivery on middle, David pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a single.
In over# 1
1
6
1
0W
0
1
Charles Amini 15/1(2)
12.6
1
Outside off, punched off the back foot for a single.
12.5
6
SIX! THUNDEROUS! Full and outside off, David gets down and slog sweeps it massively over mid-wicket! Singapore need a plethora of those.
12.4
1
Around off, Param gets across and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Navin Param walks out now. At the mid-innings break, he was very confident that 181 can be chased down. Nice platform to make that count.
12.3
W
OUT! STUMPED! Nice bit of keeping by Kiplin Doriga. Flighted outside off, Manpreet comes down the track and looks to cut but is cramped for room. The ball bounces and Doriga takes a while to collect but he shows excellent reflexes to whip the bails off before Manpreet can get back in.
12.2
.
This is short again, cut straight to point this time.
12.1
1
Short and outside off, cut through point for a single.
Charles Amini returns. 1-0-6-0 so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
2
0W
Assad Vala 5/1(1)
11.6
1
Loopy delivery on middle, David sweeps it through square leg. The batsmen take a single. 5 runs and a wicket have come from the over.
11.5
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Singh flicks it towards square leg for a run.
11.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Singh flicks it to mid-wicket.
11.3
1
Tossed up on middle and leg, David flicks it towards square leg for a single.
11.2
2
Flighted delivery on middle, David flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
Manpreet Singh is the next batsman in.
11.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! The captain strikes on his very first ball. Short delivery on middle, Dutta pulls it over mid-wicket but does not get the distance. It goes towards Siaka who takes a comfortable catch. It is his third catch of the innings.
Assad Vala is into the attack.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
6
Nosaina Pokana 23/0(3)
10.6
1
Length delivery outside off, Duuta looks to go over covers but gets a top edge. It lands safely and goes towards point. The batsmen take a run.
10.5
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Dutta looks to go for a slog but misses it.
10.4
.
Play and a miss! On a good length and outside off, Dutta looks to defend but misses it.
10.3
1
Short delivery on middle, David pulls it towards mid-wicket for a run.
10.2
.
On a good length and outside off, David looks to go for a big shot but misses it.
10.1
6
SIX! Amazing shot. Full on middle, David lofts it cleanly over long on for a biggie.
Nosaina Pokana is back into the attack. 2-0-15-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
2
1
1lb
0
2
1
Charles Amini 6/0(1)
9.6
2
On middle, flicked over mid-wicket for a brace.
9.5
1
On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
9.4
1lb
The batsman fails to get bat on that one and is hit on the pad. A strong appeal from the bowler and fielders. The umpire isn't interested in the appeal. Probably going down leg.
9.3
.
Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
9.2
2
Short and outside off, Dutta looks to cut but gets a bottom edge which goes past the stumps and the keeper. Two runs taken.
9.1
1
Tossed up around middle, flicked towards long on for a single.
Charles Amini to bowl now.
In over# 1
1
6
3
1
1
0
Riley Hekure 12/0(1)
8.6
1
Full again on off, David drives it towards covers. The batsmen cross ends. 12 runs have come from the over. Big over for Singapore.
8.5
6
SIX! Amazing shot. Full on middle, David lofts it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
8.4
3
Full and outside off, Dutta dabs it fine towards third man. The fielder chases it. The batsmen get three runs.
8.3
1
On a length on middle, David flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
8.2
1
Full on off, Dutta drives it towards covers. The batsmen take a single.
8.1
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Dutta looks to cut but misses it.
Riley Hekure to bowl now.
In over# 1
1
1lb
0
1wd
4
1lb
1
Norman Vanua 13/0(2)
7.6
1
On a good length on off, Dutta lofts it over covers for a single. 9 runs have come from the over.
7.5
1lb
On a good length on middle, David looks to pull but gets hit on the thigh pad. It goes towards third man. The batsmen take a single. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.
7.4
.
Full delivery on middle, David drives it to mid on where the fielder goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it.
7.4
1wd
WIDE! Bowls it down the leg side, David looks to go after it but misses it.
7.3
4
FOUR! Cracking shot. Short delivery outside off, David slaps it through covers for a boundary.
7.2
1lb
On a good length on middle, Dutta looks to pull but gets hit on the thigh pad. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.
7.1
1
Full on middle, David drives it through mid on for a run.
Norman Vanua to bowl now.
In over# 1
1
1wd
0
4
1
0
1
Jason Kila 16/0(2)
6.6
1
Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a single.
6.6
1wd
WIDE. Landed outside off, a slash and a miss.
6.5
.
Around off, defended from the crease.
6.4
4
FOUR! Impressive use of the feet. David is pretty new to the crease but he confidently strides out, gets to the pitch of the ball and drives this through the covers for a boundary.
6.3
1
This is worked past mid on for a single.
6.2
.
On middle and off, worked through mid on but straight to the fielder.
6.1
1
Full and around off, eased through the covers for a single.
Jason Kila to bowl.
In over# 1
0
0W
0W
2
0
0
Damien Ravu 8/2(2)
5.6
.
Bowls a yorker on off, Dutta does well to dig it out. Unfortunately, Ravu does not get the hat-trick. 2 runs and 2 wickets from the over. A productive over for Papua New Guinea. Singapore end the Powerplay on 37/3, miles behind Papua New Guinea's 61/1 at this stage.
Aritra Dutta is the new man in.
5.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Two in two for Papua New Guinea! For the second time in this match, we have a situation where a bowler is on a hat-trick. On a length on middle, Gaznavi flicks it uppishly through mid-wicket but that man, Lega Siaka again, leaps at short mid-wicket to take a stunner. Will Ravu be able to take the hat-trick?
Tim David is the new batsman in.
5.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! That is a good catch from Siaka. He was just brought in before this ball. Short delivery on middle, Rangarajan looked to pull it over square leg but did not quite get the distance. Lega Siaka ran back, kept his eyes on it and took a very good catch running backward and hung to the ball, in spite of falling down hard.
5.3
2
Short delivery on middle, Rangarajan pulls it over mid on. The long on fielder stops it. The batsmen get two runs.
5.2
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Rangarajan looks to cut but misses it.
5.1
.
Play and a miss! On a good length and outside off, Rangarajan looks to defend but misses it.
In over# 1
0
1
4
0
0
1
Norman Vanua 6/0(1)
4.6
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Gaznavi looks to cut but misses it.
4.5
1
Length delivery on off, Rangarajan plays it towards the off side and takes a single.
4.4
4
FOUR! On a good length and outside off, Rangarajan looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes very wide of the keeper towards third man for a boundary.
4.3
.
Full on middle, Rohan drives it to mid on.
4.2
.
On a length on off, Rangarajan plays it to covers.
4.1
1
Length delivery on middle, Gaznavi nudges it towards square leg for a run.
Norman Vanua is into the attack.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
4
Damien Ravu 6/0(1)
3.6
1
Length delivery on off, Gaznavi taps it towards point and takes a run.
3.5
.
On a good length on off, Gaznavi defends it out.
3.4
1
On a length on off, Rangarajan guides it towards third man for a run.
3.3
.
Play and a miss! Good length delivery outside off, Rangarajan looks to defend but misses it.
3.2
.
BEATEN! Beauty of a delivery. On a good length and just outside off, Rangarajan looks to cut but misses it due to the inward movement.
3.1
4
FOUR! Excellent shot. On a length on off, Rangarajan lofts it over covers for a boundary.
Damien Ravu is into the attack.
In over# 1
4
1
4
1
1
0
Nosaina Pokana 15/0(2)
2.6
4
FOUR! Second boundary of the over. Full on off, Gaznavi drives it through covers for a boundary. 11 runs have come from the over.
2.5
1
On a length on off, Rangarajan dabs it towards third man for a single.
2.4
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Full and outside off, Rangarajan drives it through covers. The fielder from mid off dives to his left but the ball hits his hands still races to the fence.
2.3
1
On a good length on middle, Gaznavi looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards the leg side and the batsmen take a run.
2.2
1
Full and outside off, Rangarajan drives it towards covers for a run.
2.1
.
Bowls it on a good length and outside off, Rangarajan looks to drive but misses it.
In over# 1
1
1wd
4
2
0
0
0
Jason Kila 8/0(1)
1.6
1
Works this down the leg side for a single.
1.6
1wd
WIDE. A loopy ball, full and well outside off, left alone.
1.5
4
FOUR! Nice batting. The first boundary of the run chase. Short and around off, Rangarajan picks this from the stumps and punches it through point. The ball races to the fence.
1.4
2
On middle and leg, helped through square leg for a couple.
1.3
.
Full and outside off, driven but straight to short extra cover.
1.2
.
Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
1.1
.
Outside off, driven through the covers where the fielder dives to make a stop.
Jason Kila to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
1
0W
1wd
Nosaina Pokana 4/0(1)
0.6
1
Outside off, Rohan pushes it towards cover and sets off for a quick single. There is another direct hit, this time at the striker's end but this time, the batsman is in. An excellent opening over.
0.5
.
Outside off, driven straight to cover.
0.4
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
0.3
1
EDGED, PUT DOWN! The captain it is. Full and wide outside off, Gaznavi throws his bat at it and gets a thick outside edge which flies behind. Captain Assad Vala flies to his right to take the catch at first slip but cannot hang on. A single taken.
0.2
1
Around middle, Rangarajan looks to flick but the ball takes the inside edge, hits the pads and then drops down to the leg side beside him. A run taken.
Rohan Rangarajan walks in at number 3, replacing Chandramohan.
0.1
W
OUT! Run out! That is an exceptional piece of fielding from Charles Amini and it is a diamond duck for Chandramohan! Boy, are PNG pumped up? You bet. A length ball, around middle, Gaznavi tucks it towards mid-wicket and calls for a quick single. Amini comes charging in, dives and then in the same motion flicks it at the striker's end and hits the stumps! Now, unfortunately, for Surendran, while trying to put his bat in, it gets stuck outside the crease and falls down. Up goes the umpire's finger. What a start!
0.1
1wd
WIDE. Full and down the leg side, flick shot missed.
The players are back out in the middle. Rezza Gaznavi and Surendran Chandramohan to open the innings for Singapore. Nosaina Pokana to start off with the new ball. Gaznavi to face. Here we go!
Whoa! Par did he say? That is some confidence. Can Singapore chase down 181? It will be a fun chase if it does happen. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, in the Ireland-Jersey game in Abu Dhabi, JERSEY HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 105. That should be a quick chase for the Irish.
Navin Param congratulates Papua New Guinea for posting a good total but believes that the spinners pulled it back. Further says that 180 is a par total and can be chased down. On the bowling plans, Param says that the idea was to stay away from the pads and they did that. On the wicket, Navin says that it looks flat and the bounce is consistent. Stresses that if the batsmen get off to a good start, they can chase the total down.
When you normally choose to bowl, you expect at least some control with the new ball. Singapore had no control. They let it slip at the start and then again at the end, managing to curtail the run flow in the middle overs. Navin Param was the pick of the bowlers with 2/24 in 4 overs and had he not been there, even 200 could have been breached. Here he is, talking to HD Ackerman.
Normally, in setting a big total, the opening plays a huge part. The captain Assad Vala and Tony Ura came out positive from the word go and smashed 61 in 36 balls for the first wicket, which set the tone. After that though, Singapore did come back but the Amini-Doriga stand took it away from them. The unbeaten 5th wicket partnership read 79 from just 47 balls, with both batsmen reaching 40s.
That is a mammoth total on the board. The Singapore skipper can look at it in two ways - A. Why did I insert these blokes? B. Great. If they have scored 180, we can score 181. There is no point in thinking about option A. While if he thinks about option B, even if they do chase this down, they need to do it in at least 18 overs to help their net run rate. If there is a well at one side, the other side has a valley. Where do you go?
19.6
2
Full and straight, powered down to long on for a couple to end the innings. PAPUA NEW GUINEA FINISH ON 180/4!
19.5
1
Full and just around off, driven down to long off for one. The batsmen think about the second but then change their mind.
19.4
2
Full on middle, swung down to long on for a couple.
The physio is out in the middle again, for the customary concussion check. Not much time spent. He is off in a flash.
19.3
1lb
Short and around off, Kiplin looks to pull but misses. The ball goes off the helmet behind the keeper. A leg bye taken.
19.2
2
DROPPED! Rezza Gaznavi has spilled a sitter this time. A length ball outside off, Doriga swings hard but gets a top edge. The ball goes high in the air and two fielders come under it - one from cover and one from point. The former calls for it but puts it down. Two runs taken.
19.1
6
SIX! THUMP! That is a great start to the final over. Fractionally short in length around off, Doriga backs away and pulls it over mid-wicket. The ball lands 20 rows in the crowd! Or, say, seats. Not many people sitting.
In over# 1
2
1
1
2
1
0
Janak Prakash 32/0(4)
18.6
2
Pushes this through mid on for a brace.
18.5
1
Full and outside off, driven through the covers for one.
18.4
1
Wide outside off, squeezed behind point for a run.
18.3
2
Outside off, swung over mid-wicket for a brace.
18.2
1
Outside off, on a length, run down behind point for a single.
18.1
.
A yorker outside off, Doriga looks to dig it out but misses.
In over# 1
3
1
1wd
1
1
1
6
Amjad Mahboob 36/1(3)
17.6
3
The ball has found the edge of the bat. They've managed to run three.
17.5
1
Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a run.
17.5
1wd
WIDE. Another slower ball, down the leg side, Charles looks to pull but misses. 15th wide of the innings.
17.4
1
A slower ball, short of a length, heaved off the inner half behind square leg for a single.
17.3
1
DROPPED! Simple chance put down. Navin Param it is. Amini comes down the track, takes the ball on the full and lofts it towards cover. Param over there, reacts a second late. In the end, it comes quickly to him and he jumps, attempting to reverse cup. The ball bursts through his hands and goes behind. A single taken.
17.2
1
Around off, swung towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
17.1
6
SIX! Welcome back into the attack, skip! Full and straight, right in the slot, Doriga comes forward and swings it cleanly over long on! 50-RUN STAND COMES UP IN JUST 30 BALLS! 150 UP FOR PAPUA NEW GUINEA. 17 balls left. Can they get to 180?
The captain is back on. Amjad Mahboob returns with figures of 2-0-22-1.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
1lb
4
Janak Prakash 25/0(3)
16.6
.
Outside off, barely bounces, Amini throws his bat at it and gets a bottom edge which goes on the bounce behind. The keeper going to his left, reacts swiftly to change direction and half-stops it. Prevents the ball from hitting the helmet behind.
16.5
.
A slower ball, on a length, around leg, CA looks to pull but misses. The ball goes over the stumps, on the bounce to the keeper.
16.4
1
Full and outside off, drilled down to long off for a single.
16.3
.
Full and wide outside off, Doriga swings hard but misses.
The physio is out in the middle now, for a mandatory concussion check. The batsman looks fine but the umpires do not want to take any chances these days. And rightly, they shouldn't.
16.2
1lb
ON THE HELMET! That is short and around leg, Charles swivels to pull but the ball comes on much quicker than his anticipation. He is late on the shot and gets hit on the helmet. The ball drops down beside him and rolls towards point, with the non-striker calling him through for a single. The bowler himself asks the batsman whether he is alright and gets a nod in return.
16.1
4
FOUR! Wrong line. Short and down the leg side, Amini pulls it to the fine leg fence!
Janak Prakash is back on. 2-0-20-0 so far.
In over# 1
4
0
2
1
2
1wd
2
Navin Param 24/2(4)
15.6
4
FOUR! THRASH! That is a good smack. Full and around off, Doriga gets down and mows a slog sweep over mid-wicket. Bounces just in front of the ropes. 12 from the over, 26 from the last 2!
15.5
.
Looks to punch it down the ground but gets the bowler in his way.
15.4
2
Outside off, punched through the covers for a brace.
15.3
1
Short and outside off, cut through point for a single.
15.2
2
Excellent running. Full on middle, CA comes down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.
15.2
1wd
WIDE. Not a bad ball actually, Param sees the batsman come down the track and fires it down the leg side. But Charles adjusts quickly, looks to pull but misses.
15.1
2
Gracious shot. Full and in line of the stumps, Amini comes down the track and lofts it nicely through covers. Surendran Chandramohan gets across to his right from long off, dives and keeps the ball in play. Two runs taken.
In over# 1
1
6
2
1
4
0
Vinoth Baskaran 24/0(3)
14.6
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Amini drives it through mid on. The batsmen cross ends. 14 runs have come from the over.
14.5
6
SIX! That is huge! Floated delivery on off, Amini comes down the track and lofts it over long off for a biggie.
14.4
2
Flighted delivery on off, Amini looks to go over covers but gets a leading edge. It lands safely and goes towards the point region. The batsmen get two runs.
14.3
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Doriga punches it towards point for a single.
14.2
4
FOUR! Excellent shot. Short and outside off, Doriga cuts it hard through point for a boundary.
14.1
.
Floated delivery on middle, Doriga looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Vinoth Baskaran returns. 2-0-10-0 so far.
In over# 1
1
0
0
2
1
1
Navin Param 12/2(3)
13.6
1
Floated delivery on off, Doriga punches it towards point. The batsmen take a run.
13.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Doriga keeps it out.
13.4
.
Tossed up outside off, Doriga looks to cut but misses it.
13.3
2
Full delivery on off, Doriga drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.
13.2
1
Flighted delivery on off, Amini lofts it over mid off. The fielder at long off collects the ball on one bounce. The batsmen take a run.
13.1
1
Tossed up on off, Doriga drives it through point. The batsmen take a single.
Navin Param is back with a change of ends. 2-0-7-2 so far.
In over# 1
1
1
2
1
2
0W
Amjad Mahboob 22/1(2)
12.6
1
Length delivery on middle, Doriga flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. 7 runs and a wicket from the over.
12.5
1
On a length on middle, Amini nudges it towards square leg for a single.
12.4
2
Length delivery on middle, Amini flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.
12.3
1
On a length on off, Doriga cuts it through point. The batsmen cross ends.
12.2
2
Full on middle, Doriga hits it over the bowler's head. It goes towards long on. The batsmen get two runs.
Kiplin Doriga walks in at number 6, replacing Bau.
12.1
W
OUT! BOWLED! On a good length on middle, Bau looks to play a paddle sweep but misses it and gets bowled. It was an unnecessary shot from him. He should have carried on till the end of the innings.
The captain comes back on. Amjad Mehboob has figures of 1-0-15-0 so far.
In over# 1
0
1
1
4
1
1
Tim David 33/1(4)
11.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Amini keeps it out.
11.5
1
Tossed up on middle, Bau drives it to long on for a single.
11.4
1
Floated delivery on middle, Amini drives it towards mid on for a single. 100 up for Papua New Guinea.
11.3
4
FOUR! That is another bad delivery. Little bit short, leg side and punished. Slower ball, Amini rocks back and pulls it behind square leg.
11.2
1
Tossed up on off, Bau plays it towards covers for a single.
11.1
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Amini flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
0
1
Navin Param 7/2(2)
10.6
1
Tossed up on off, Amini plays it towards point. The batsmen take a run.
10.5
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Bau hits it straight towards the bowler where the bowler tries to get a hand to it but it goes wide of him towards long on. The batsmen cross ends.
10.4
.
Tossed up on off, Bau defends it off the back foot.
10.3
1
Floated delivery on middle, Amini plays it through mid on for a run.
10.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Amini defends it out.
10.1
1
Tossed up on off, Bau drives it to long off for a single.
In over# 1
1
2
0
0
0
2
Tim David 25/1(3)
9.6
1
Outside off, watchfully played with soft hands towards cover for a quick single.
9.5
2
Full and around middle, worked between long on and mid-wicket for an easy couple.
9.4
.
Short and outside off, cut straight to point.
9.3
.
Down the leg side, Sese looks to flick but misses. A loud shout for LBW is turned down. Going down leg.
9.2
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
9.1
2
Full and around middle, Bau works it towards long on and takes a single. He starts to go for the second and Avi Dixit charging in fumbles. They look for the third as well but let it be.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
0W
0W
Navin Param 3/2(1)
8.6
1
Around middle, worked towards long on for a single. Nice over for Singapore - 2 wickets and 3 runs from it.
8.5
.
Full and outside off, solidly blocked towards cover.
8.4
1
Driven towards the mid on region. They pick up a single.
Well, Rangarajan is off the field as he dislocated his finger in trying to take the catch to dismiss Tony Ura.
8.3
1
Outside off, eased through the covers for a single.
Sese Bau comes in at number 5, to face the hat-trick ball. Slip is in.
8.2
W
OUT! Appeal for a catch and given! The complexion of the game has changed big time. Full and outside off, thrown a bit wide, Siaka throws his bat at it, looking to drive but misses. The keeper appeals and the umpire's finger is raised. Hard to tell from the replays whether there was an edge. But the batsman did not seem to complain. Param is on a hat-trick!
Charles Amini walks in at number 4, replacing Ura.
8.1
W
OUT! No, dropped, wait, TAKEN! What a grab that is from Rohan Rangarajan. To start off, it was a simple catch, he made it difficult for himself, but in the end, eventually took it. Full and outside off, Ura looks to loft this against the line, expecting the ball to spin but it just goes straight on. The top edge is induced and Rangarajan is ready for it at mid off. However, he loses it midway and then goes to his left, with the ball coming to his right. Tries to take it somehow, but the ball pops out. Here comes the fun. He sticks out his left hand in reflex action and it sticks!
Navin Param comes on to bowl now. Another offie.
In over# 1
1
1
2
0
0
1
Tim David 20/1(2)
7.6
1
Full and outside off, whipped to deep mid-wicket for a run.
7.5
1
This one looked as though it gripped and spun. Worked from outside off through mid-wicket for a single.
7.4
2
Short and outside off, placed towards point. The batsmen take the second on the throw and a better return could have had Lega in trouble.
7.3
.
And again. A carbon copy of the previous delivery. Only this time, the batsman's stride was longer.
7.2
.
Full and outside off, Siaka looks to defend but the ball spins in and beats the outside edge. A mild appeal for a caught behind but no one is interested.
7.1
1
Outside off, pushed towards point for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
5wd
4
0
2
4
Avi Dixit 15/0(1)
6.6
.
That's hit the batsman on his pads again.
6.5
.
The batsman fails to get bat on that one and is hit on the pad.
6.5
5wd
FIVE WIDES. Plan gone horribly wrong. Full and miles down the leg side, forget the flick shot getting missed, the keeper cannot get anywhere near the ball even with a fine dive.
6.4
4
FOUR! Nice timing. Overpitched outside off, Siaka looks to drive and threads it through the covers!
6.3
.
Around off, defended solidly.
6.2
2
Outside off, pushed towards point for a single. There is a slight misfield and the batsmen charge back for the second.
6.1
4
FOUR! It is going to be that sort of a day. A full toss wide outside off, Siaka looks to drive but the ball swings away, takes the outside edge and goes well past the diving fielder to the third man fence.
Lega Siaka walks in at number 3, replacing Vala. Avi Dixit, who took the catch, comes on to bowl as well.
In over# 1
0W
0
1
4
2
6
2wd
Tim David 15/1(1)
5.6
W
OUT! Caught! The captain throws it away. Full and around middle, Vala looks to go downtown but mid on is stationed a bit deep. Avi Dixit gets around and takes it calmly. End of an excellent opening stand. 61/1 in the Powerplay, Papua New Guinea have set the tone.
5.5
.
Tossed up outside off, Assad looks to run it down to third man but misses. A bit of turn available.
5.4
1
Down the leg side, worked through square leg for a single.
5.3
4
FOUR! Excellent strokeplay. There is a ring of fielders on the off side but Ura has pierced that. Fractionally short outside off, Tony rocks back in a flash and cuts it between point, cover-point and cover. Figure that out.
5.2
2
Outside edge, but no slip. Full and outside off, Tony looks to drive hard but the length is too full to play that shot. The ball takes the outside edge and goes through the vacant slip cordon towards third man. A couple taken.
5.1
6
SIX! THRASH! 50-partnership up in style! Full and outside off, plenty of flight, Ura gets down and plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket!
5.1
2wd
WIDE. Another extra. Fired down the leg side, Vala misses his flick and the keeper cannot collect cleanly. A bye taken.
Tim David comes into the attack. Bowls off breaks.
In over# 1
1lb
3wd
1wd
1wd
0
1
2
1wd
1
4
Janak Prakash 21/0(2)
4.6
1lb
Length delivery on leg, Vala flicks it towards square leg for a single. Leg bye signalled. End of a long over where 15 runs have come from it.
4.6
3wd
WIDE! Bowls it again down the leg side, Vala looks to flick but misses it. It goes past the keeper towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs.
There is another match going on simultaneously in Abu Dhabi. It is between Ireland and Jersey. The latter are 36/2 in 5 overs after being put in. That is a Group A clash.
4.6
1wd
WIDE! Bowls it again down the leg side, Vala looks to flick but misses it.
4.6
1wd
WIDE! That is a touch harsh on the bowler. Vala comes down the track and backs away too. Seeing that, the bowler fires it outside leg. Vala misses his flick and the keeper dives to his right to collect. The umpire signals a wide but shouldn't some consideration been given to the bowler?
4.5
.
Short delivery on leg, Vala looks to pull but misses it. Was there a glove on it? The Singapore players did not go for a appeal.
4.4
1
On a length on off, Ura plays it towards covers for a run.
4.3
2
Full delivery on middle, Ura flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
4.3
1wd
WIDE! Bowls it down the leg side, Ura looks to flick but misses it.
4.2
1
On a length on leg, Vala looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards fine leg for a single.
4.1
4
FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Vala cuts it hard through point for a boundary.
Janak Prakash is back on. 1-0-6-0 so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
0
0
Vinoth Baskaran 10/0(2)
3.6
.
Full on off, Ura drives it to covers.
3.5
1
Flighted delivery on off, Vala punches it through covers. The batsmen take a single.
3.4
.
Tossed up delivery outside off, Vala looks to sweep but misses it.
3.3
1
Floated delivery on off, Ura plays it towards mid off and takes a run.
3.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Ura keeps it out.
3.1
.
Tossed up on off, Ura plays it to point.
In over# 1
1
1
6
4
0
3
Amjad Mahboob 15/0(1)
2.6
1
Length delivery on off, Ura guides it towards third man for a run. 15 runs have come from the over. Big over for Papua New Guinea.
2.5
1
On a length on off, Vala plays it towards point and takes a run.
2.4
6
SIX! Amazing shot. Full on middle, Vala lofts it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
2.3
4
FOUR! Nice shot. On a length on off, Vala comes down the track and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.
2.2
.
Short delivery on middle, Vala pulls it to mid-wicket.
2.1
3
Length delivery on off, Ura drives it straight past the bowler. It goes towards long off where the fielder does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs.
Captain Amjad Mahboob brings himself into the attack.
In over# 1
2
2
1
1
1
1
Vinoth Baskaran 8/0(1)
1.6
2
Flighted delivery on leg, Vala sweeps it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
1.5
2
Floated delivery on off, Vala drives it through covers. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen pick up a couple.
1.4
1
Tossed up on middle, Ura drives it towards mid on for a run.
1.3
1
Full on middle, Vala drives it through mid on. The batsmen cross ends.
1.2
1
Short delivery on off, Ura cuts it towards point where the fielder throws it at the bowler's end but the bowler fails to collect. It goes as overthrows and the batsmen take a single.
1.1
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Vala flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
Vinoth Baskaran to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
4
0
1
0
1
Janak Prakash 6/0(1)
0.6
.
Outside off, this is left alone.
0.5
4
FOUR! TAKE THAT! Full and wide outside off, Ura leans and drives it through point for a boundary!
0.4
.
Short and outside off, Ura slashes hard but misses.
0.3
1
Outside off, Vala taps it across and takes a quick single.
0.2
.
Around middle and leg, Vala looks to tuck but misses and is hit on the pads. A mild LBW appeal ensues but nothing in it.
0.1
1
Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single. The fielder slides to his right to make a stop.
The players make their way out to the middle. Janak Prakash to start off proceedings. He has got a big plaster on his forehead, above his right eye. That is because in the 19th over of Singapore's game against Scotland with the ball, Kyle Coetzer smashed straight back at the bowler and the ball hit Prakash right above the eye. Thank heavens, he is safe. Assad Vala and Tony Ura will open for PNG. Ura to face. Here we go!
PITCH REPORT - Dirk Nannes has a look at the track and says that it looks like a DOG'S BREAKFAST. Stressing, he says that there are a few bare pitches and around them, there are huge spikes of grass. Further says that the track looks unusual but will play well, like a belter.
Assad Vala says that he would have batted first anyway, so now hopes to put on a good score and defend the same. Just looks to keep the basics right. Praises his bowlers for bowling well against the Netherlands yesterday. Informs that they are going in with an unchanged XI.
Singapore skipper, Amjad Mahboob, says the decision to bowl first is because the wicket looks good. Hopes to restrict PNG under 150 and then chase it down. On the losses, Amjad says that it might be overconfidence and also rues the ban of one of their bowlers (SELLADORE VIJAYAKUMAR). Informs two changes with Rohan Rangarajan and Avi Dixit coming in.
Singapore (Playing XI) - Surendran Chandramohan, Rohan Rangarajan (IN FOR AAHAN ACHAR), Tim David, Manpreet Singh(wk), Rezza Gaznavi, Aritra Dutta, Navin Param, Janak Prakash, Amjad Mahboob(c), Avi Dixit (IN FOR SIDHANT SINGH) and Vinoth Baskaran.
Papua New Guinea (UNCHANGED Playing XI) - Assad Vala(c), Tony Ura, Lega Siaka, Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Riley Hekure, Kiplin Doriga(wk), Jason Kila, Norman Vanua, Damien Ravu and Nosaina Pokana.
TOSS TIME! Singapore have won the toss and probably decided the right thing - TO CHASE. That is the main way they can improve their net run-rate, by trying to bowl Papua New Guinea out cheaply and then chase down the target quickly.
A win here should almost set one foot of PNG into the 2020 WT20 and they will aim to do exactly that - not leaving it to the final game. Singapore though, might find themselves relegated if they lose today. For argument sake, they can still make it with 6 points but then the net run rate will come into contention for sure - which is not the strongest point for them.
How are you all, early morning risers? And is there anyone who has got up after last night's clash? Tough job following all these games, isn't it? But don't worry. We shall always be there for you. 24 hours, 7 days a week. It has barely been 10 hours since the Bermuda-Scotland game but we are here with match number 31. It is a Group A clash between Papua New Guinea and Singapore in Dubai. A warm welcome to all.