9 Aug 2012

Sport: PNG lose final hit out before Youth World Cup

10:08 am on 9 August 2012

Papua New Guinea have been well-beaten by Pakistan in their final hitout before the start of the Under 19 Cricket World Cup in Queensland.

The Garamuts had struggled through to 194 for 6 from their 50 overs, with Lega Siaka continuing his fine form 46 at the top of the innings.

In reply, Pakistan cruised to their target in just the 33rd over.

Opener Sami Aslam set the tone smashing 132 runs in just 99 deliveries, while Raymond Haoda and Toua Tom were the only bowlers who managed a breakthrough.

PNG now travels to Townsville for their opening World Cup clash against Zimbabwe and coach Peter Anderson admits they'll be going in blind.

"We've been spread out all over Brisbane and Sunshine Coast so the guys have only seen the ones we have come up against. Their first game - naturally we're rated 15th in the world and all those teams we play against - West Indies, India - are in the top five - but I'm sure if we pull it together, field brilliantly and do our basic things, it's a simple game and I give us a real good chance. If we get a bit of a roll on, anything can happen."