On Friday, March 10, at Kirtipur, Papua New Guinea defeated the UAE for the fourth time in a row, adding to the Emiratis’ problems as they try to escape finishing sixth. The UAE now probably need to win all three of their remaining games in this final trilateral series to escape finishing in the bottom-two and risking relegation and loss of ODI status at the Qualifier Playoff in two weeks after their 56-run loss to last-placed PNG.
The PNG, who were already guaranteed seventh place, used this series as a chance to get back into shape before the Playoff, and the top three Papuans did just that. Although the UAE battled back with the ball, the final total of 246/9 proved to be well beyond a faltering UAE batting card that has struggled to pass 200 in recent weeks.
Kiplin Doriga, Hiri Hiri, and Sese Bau all hit personal best scores to lead the Barramundis to an imposing 184/3.As Doriga and Hiri once more assisted PNG in getting off to a fast start, adding 72 during the powerplay, a total of 300 or more had appeared likely. Tony Ura, who was injured, was replaced by Hiri.
The UAE had to wait another 21 overs for their next wicket as Hiri and Bau put together a quick century stand to lead PNG to 184/1 by the 32nd over. Young left arm spinner Ayaan Affzal Khan broke the partnership with an arm ball that had Doriga pinned in front for 55. As Hiri backed up to cut, he lost his off stump and left for 77. This time, Khan was the one to break the hold.
PNG will hope to continue their momentum into the series’ final two matches, and then on to the Qualifier Playoff in Namibia, where their ODI status will be decided. The UAE, which is currently in sixth place, three points behind Nepal and four points behind the United States, will need to beat one or both of them in order to avoid being in the same position in Windhoek. With Nepal still vying for a podium finish and straight entry into the Qualifier, Sunday’s match between the UAE and the hosts is now a must-win for both teams.
