Sport: PNG cricketers eye top spot

1:07 pm on 6 October 2017

Papua New Guinea are eyeing the chance to go top of the World Cricket League Championship standings.

The Barramundis are in second place after five rounds of the 50-over competition, two points behind the Netherlands, with seven wins from ten matches.

PNG and Scotland will play two one-day matches on Friday and Sunday, having played out a draw in their four-day Intercontinental Cup clash in Port Moresby during the week.

Captain Assad Vala reaches his half century.

Assad Vala will be a key player for the home side. Photo: Cricket PNG

Captain Assad Vala said the Barramundis always enjoy getting back to limited overs cricket.

"We normally play our club cricket in the shorter formats of the game, it really suits us," he said

"But we're coming up a really good opposition and we need to be on our game and play the best that we can - Scotland are a good side.

"We're looking forward to this, the opportunity is there for us and we can't wait to get on the park and give a good go."

The Barramundis during the SACA League in Darwin.

The Barramundis are back in limited-overs mode. Photo: Cricket PNG

Scotland are just one point behind PNG on the standings in third place and can move into top spot if they win both matches at Amini Park.

Assad Vala said both teams have a lot to play for and hopefully they can take what they've learned over the past week into these crucial one-day games.

"We've got some plans against players against the team so we just have to execute the plans we set out for individuals and as a team," he said.

"So tomorrow's going to be the day - it's all about going out there and enjoying, try and execute the plans as best we can and hopefully we will get the result we want."