Sport: PNG cricketers chalk up first SACA League win

12:40 pm on 19 September 2017

The Papua New Guinea cricketers have claimed their first win in the South Australian Premier League in Darwin thanks to an incredible century by Mahuru Dai against the Western Grit.

In a match reduced to 30 overs per side, the Grit posted a whopping 260 for 4 batting first on Sunday, with former Australian international Callum Ferguson leading the way with 91 runs from 70 balls.

Jake Lehmann (68) and Cameron Valente (55) also notched half centuries while Nosiana Pokana (2 for 47), Mahuru Dai (1 for 43) and Norman Vanua (1 for 48) were the only PNG wicket-takers.

In reply, the Barramundis slumped to 52 for 4 in the ninth over before skipper Assad Vala (79) and Mahuru Dai (126) combined for a 203 run stand for the fifth wicket.

Mahuru Dai starred for the PNG Barramundis.

Mahuru Dai starred for the PNG Barramundis. Photo: Cricket PNG

Dai smashed 126 runs off just 67 deliveries to guide PNG to victory with three balls remaining.

PNG Interim Head Coach, Jason Gillespie was pleased with the performances of the team, getting their first win in the SACA Premier League.

"Bowling was decent. The lads had plans that they implemented well and the fielding was quite good although we identified that our boundary fielding could have had more urgency," said Gillespie.

"All tour we have spoken about big partnerships and someone getting a big score. Mahuru (Dai) was brilliant today and was well supported by Mahuru (Dai)".

The Barramundis were beaten by 32 runs in their opening match of the SACA Premier League against the Eastern Edge on Saturday.

The players are back in action this weekend against the Edge and the Grit, as they continue preparations for ICC Intercontinental Cup and World Cricket League Championship matches against Scotland next month in Port Moresby.