Konepoti aim for back-to-back wins against winless Poreporena

Konepoti Cricket Club will look to continue their winning form this weekend when they face a struggling Poreporena outfit in the Port Moresby Cricket Association fixture.

The Huon Logistics-backed Konepoti sit in fifth position on the ladder with six points from two matches, including a commanding victory last week. In contrast, Poreporena remain winless after two heavy defeats and are currently tied for last place.

Konepoti’s confidence is sky-high following their clinical performance in last Saturday, where they chased down 148 runs in just 17.2 overs with nine wickets in hand.

Openers Lekwa Nao [60 off 52 balls] and Emmanuel Pokana [58 off 45] were in dominant form, dispatching bowlers with ease and securing a rapid win. Their bowling attack, led by Francis Ori and captain Kelly Galama, applied relentless pressure to restrict the opposition.

Their net run rate now stands at a healthy +0.1247, underlining their efficiency in both batting and bowling.

Meanwhile, Poreporena face mounting pressure after back-to-back defeats. Last week, they were bowled out for 176 in just 33 overs, with only three batters reaching 20 runs.

Despite benefiting from 42 extras, mostly wides, the side failed to build any meaningful partnerships. Their bowling also lacked discipline, conceding 42 extras, including 10 wides each from Igo Morea and Frank Tutarak.

Bright spots came from Tau Nou [1/40 from 8 overs] and Sam Momo [1/22 from 4], but the team will need a dramatic turnaround to challenge Konepoti.

All eyes will be on the opening spell, as Poreporena’s bowlers attempt to contain the in-form Konepoti openers tomorrow at Bisini Cricket Oval. Meanwhile, Konepoti’s experienced bowlers are expected to target Poreporena’s fragile middle order, which has struggled under pressure.

A win for Konepoti would move them closer to a top-four position and strengthen their bid for finals contention. For Poreporena, it is a must-win match to keep their season alive.