Vala stars in PNG's series-levelling win

A middle-order collapse triggered by Assad Vala and John Reva strangled United Arab Emirates' 233 chase as Papua New Guinea squeezed out a 26-run win to level the three-match series at 1-1.

The win helped consolidate their second position in the ICC WCL table, while UAE, who slumped to their eighth loss in 10 matches, are placed seventh in the eight-team championship.

UAE started in a confidently courtesy wicketkeeper Ghulam Shabber, who set up the chase with a 100-ball 70, before a collapse resulted in them slipping from 148 for 2 tto 161 for 7 in less than five overs.

The collapse started with the dismissals of Shaiman Anwar and Shabber in the space of three deliveries. Anwar was run out after a 57-run third-wicket stand, while Shabber was dismissed by Vale. The offspinner went on to dismiss two more middle-order batsmen for ducks to take the game away from UAE, who were eventually skittled out in the 48th over.

That PNG had a total to defend despite UAE chipping away was courtesy Vani Morea's 52. Cameos from Dogodo Bau (46), Vala (23) and Lega Siaka (27) lower down the order added some teeth to the total, which eventually too much for the hosts.