By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Papua New Guinea (PNG) posted a mammoth total of 292 runs for Nepal in their first ODI match riding on two half centuries and aggressive batting by Norman Bhanua.
PNG, who lost the toss at the TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur and were invited to bat first, posted 292 runs in 50 overs losing 8 wickets.
This is the highest score posted by PNG in ODI matches. In doing so, PNG have also become the team to score maximum runs against Nepal.
Prior to this, the UAE had scored 254 runs against Nepal in their third ODI match in 2019, which was the maximum runs against Nepal until PNG broke the record on Friday. During the occasion, Paras Khadka scored a record century innings of 115 runs to meet the target in 44.4 overs losing 6 wickets.
Meanwhile, PNG’s earlier record of maximum ODI runs was 264 against Hong Kong achieved in 2014.
PNG’s middle order batsman Charles Amini scored 77 runs off 103 balls that included 6 boundaries and a six to help the team post the huge score. It was also his personal best in international career.
Aarif Sheikh gave him a lifeline with a catch drop in the 45th over while he had managed to score 70 runs. Tailender Norman scored a quickfire 47 runs off 28 balls that included 4 boundaries and 3 sixes.
PNG Captain Assad Vala also contributed crucial 60 runs off 55 balls to help the team garner the big total.
Dipendra Singh Airee, Kamal Singh Airee and Sompal Kami took 2 wickets each while Sandeep lamichhane and Pawan Saraf took a wicket each.
