BSP PNG Barramundis chasing 390 for victory against Afghanistan

The BSP PNG Barramundis had the toughest day on their UAE Tour, with Afghanistan belting a mammoth 540 runs in their second innings on a flat wicket on the third day of the Inter-Continental Cup (I-Cup) match at the Sharjah International Stadium yesterday.
Resuming the day on 3/284, Afghanistan continued their moment from the previous day, with three batsmen making brilliant centuries on day 3 at a good rate- Asghar Stanikzai (127), Mohammad Shahzad (116) and Hashmatullah Shahid (112), while Gulbadin Naib (75) and Mirwais Ashraf (54) made valuable half-centuries down the order. Afghanistan was eventually bowled out 540 in 127.2 overs after lunch. There wasn’t much to write home about from the BSP PNG Barramundis’ bowling attack, with all the bowlers getting hit around the Sharjah International Stadium on a flat wicket against quality opposition. Sese Bau (2/50), Mahuru Dai (2/73) and Assad Vala (2/80) all took two (2) wickets each.
Needing 390 runs for an outright victory, the BSP PNG Barramundis got off to a flying start with Vani Vagi Morea hitting 14 runs off 9 balls, before being bowled by Yasmin Ahmadzai. Lega Siaka (8) was the next to go, and then Tony Ura (18) became Ahmadzai’s third second innings victim to leave the BSP PNG Barramundis in a lot of trouble at 3/40 after 11 overs. Sese Bau (9) hit two quick fire boundaries, before becoming Gulbadin Naib’s first victim to leave the Barramundis in a big hole at 4/54. Assad Vala (32*) and first innings centurion, Mahuru Dai (27*) then guided the BSP PNG Barramundis to 4/110 at stumps, still requiring a further 280 runs for an outright victory.
Match Summary (Stumps Day 3)
1st Innings
Afghanistan 10/144 (39.4) Mohammad Shahzad 29, Ashghar Stanikzai 26, Sharafuddin Ashraf 25, Norman Vanua 4/36, Chad Soper 2/27, Loa Nou 2/37
1st Innings
BSP PNG Barramundis 10/295 (73.2) Mahuru Dai 129, Assad Vala 62, Sese Bau 34, Vani Vagi Morea 29, Zahir Khan 3/40, Yamin Ahmadzai 3/63
2nd Innings
Afghanistan 10/540 (127.2) Asghar Stanikzai 127, Mohammad Shahzad 116, Hashmatullah Shahid 112, Gulbadin Naib 75, Mirwais Ashraf 54, Sese Bau 2/50, Mahuru Dai 2/73, Assad Vala 2/80
2nd Innings
BSP PNG Barramundis 4/110 (33) Assad Vala 33*, Mahuru Dai 27*, Yamin Ahmadzai 3/29
BSP PNG Barramundis require a further 280 runs for an outright victory
BSP PNG Barramundis Team (I-CUP vs Afghanistan)
Jack Vare ©, Assad Vala (vc), Lega Siaka, Sese Bau, Vani Vagi Morea, Mahuru Dai, John Boge Reva, Norman Vanua, Chad Soper, Tony Ura, Loa Nou, Charles Amini Jnr (12th), Reserves: Hiri Hiri, Nosiana Pokana