Wellington: Attacking centuries from Assad Vala and Lega Siaka led Papua New Guinea (PNG) to an eight-wicket victory over Kenya at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth on day one of the 2015 Cricket World Cup Qualifier Monday.
In other matches of the day, the Netherlands defeated Uganda by seven wickets, tournament top seed United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded a comfortable 102-run victory over Nepal, and Hong Kong defeated Scotland by 17 runs.
At Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, Vala (105 not out) and Siaka (103) put on a 154-run second-wicket partnership to lead PNG to victory over Kenya with 7.1 overs and eight wickets to spare.
It was a day for the batsmen at New Plymouth, with three centuries being scored. Kenya’s Collins Obuya (106) set the tone, bringing up his century with a six over long off. PNG’s Siaka (103) followed suit with a six to bring up his century from 80 balls, and man of the match Vala (105 not out) hit a straight six to get into three figures.
Twenty-one-year-old Siaka struck 11 boundaries and four sixes to reach 103 from only 83 deliveries, while Vala crafted an unbeaten 105 from just 109 balls (8x4, 6x6) to star in PNG’s win.
Earlier, Kenya reached 249 for nine from its 50 overs, with Raymond Haoda (four for 50) and Pipi Raho (two for 47) being the leading wicket takers for PNG.
IANS
First Published: Monday, January 13, 2014, 19:17
