Scotland 203 (49 overs) Cross 91, Dai 2/19, lost to PNG 204/5 (48 overs), Dai 63*, Vala 49, by 5 wickets. [Scorecard]
Papua New Guinea hit back at Amini Park, Port Moresby on Sunday with a 5 wicket win against Scotland to move up to second place in the World Cricket League Championship.
Kyle Coetzer won the toss and elected to bat first once again. Coetzer and Matthew Cross added 46 for the first wicket before the captain was run out by Ligia Siaka for 22.
Cross continued to bat in a positive manner although wickets continued to fall around him. George Munsey tried to offer support digging in with a 65 ball 22 before being trapped LBW to Asad Vala.
Cross would eventually be dismissed 9 runs short of his century, hitting 11 fours, with the score on 189/8 in the 48th over. The Scots were all out in the final over for 203.
In reply, PNG’s batters were cautious at the start, with Chris Sole and Ali Evans both striking with the score on 44. Vala played a crucial innings for his side, scoring 49 before being caught behind with 74 runs still required.
As it proved it was the last wicket Scotland would claim as Maharu Dai (63*) found support in Dogodo Bau (14*) to lead their side home to a 5 wicket win with 12 balls remaining.
