Ireland beats Papua New Guinea (PNG) by three wickets in a low scoring encounter at Mainpower Oval, Rangiora.
Ireland lost three quick wickets in their chase to 122 with Mark Donegan, Andrew Vincent and Harry Tector all departed. Jame Tau picked all the three within the first six overs leaving Ireland struggle at 25 for 3. When Morgan Topping was dismissed, Ireland were 38/4, and things looked even more threatening.
However, Neil Rock (43) rose to the occasion to anchor a pair of partnerships that ultimately saved Ireland from a humiliating defeat. First, he partnered wicket-keeper-opener Jamie Grassi for a 33-run stand and then combined with Graham Kennedy for a 45-run partnership. He was ultimately caught napping in front by Sema Kamea, but by then the damage had been done, and Ireland’s tail was able to cross the rope to secure a nervy victory.
Kennedy finished with 17 runs, while the man of the match Jonathan Grath remained unbeaten on three after his heroics with the ball.
Opting to bat first, PNG lost three wickets early before the partnership of Igo Mahuru and Heagi Toua steadied the ship. The pair added 78 before Toua lobbed one to mid-off which sparked another collapse.
His innings included four boundaries, and a six kept the scoreboard moving but ran out of partners with just Mahuru (39) able to break into double figures.
Garth was the pick of Ireland’s bowlers, taking 4/18, while captain Harry Tector took 3/32 from his quota of 10 overs while Joshua Little chimed in with 2/18.
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