Argentina upset PNG

PNG players congratulate Hitolo Areni following the wicket of Matias Paterlini © ICC

Argentina today delivered the first major upset of the ICC World Cricket League Division 3 event by defeating Papua New Guinea (PNG) in their Round 2 match.

PNG Captain Rarua Dikana won the toss and elected to bat at the picturesque Gardens Oval.

PNG's woes at the top of the order continued as the accurate Argentine bowlers reduced the pre-tournament favourites to 6/60. The PNG tail fought hard on the turning surface but the wickets continued to fall, PNG dismissed for 91 in the 41st over.

Debutant Mahuta Kivung (19 off 37 balls) top scored for PNG while Argentine Captain Estaban McDermott claimed 4 wickets with his off-spin.

PNG Captain Rarua Dikana and wicket-keeper Arua Uda prepare for a catch off Don Forrester as Chris Amini moves in © ICC

Argentina made hard work of the small total as PNG turned to spinners Jamie Brazier (2/20 off 10 overs) and Mahuta Kivung (0/16 off 8) early in the innings.

Pace bowlers Hitolo Areni (1/9 off 9) and Inoa Baeau (1/15 off 5) returned to the crease and continued to build pressure on the Argentine batsmen however it was all to no avail as Don Forrester and Martin Siri held their nerve and saw Argentina record a hard fought 5-wicket victory.

PNG Coach Api Leka commented on the match:
"Our bowling and fielding has been outstanding since we arrived in Darwin but our top order batting let us down again today. Argentina played very well and Pool A is now wide open. We must now bounce back against Italy on Wednesday."

Full scorecards are available here.

PNG play Italy at Nightcliff in Round 3 on Wednesday 30 May.