Denmark edge PNG by 18 runs in Challenge League clash

Guernsey vd Papua New Guinea at KGV Playing Fields ICC Challenge League Tournament Warm-up games One T20I Two 50 Over (Image: Martin Gray)

Papua New Guinea’s ICC CWC Challenge League A 2024–26 campaign got off to a narrow defeat, as the Barramundis went down to Denmark by 18 runs in their opening match at the National Cricket Centre, Grainville.

Denmark posted a competitive 223/8 from their 50 overs, anchored by a crucial unbeaten 83 from Lucky Ali. His knock held the European side together and earned him the Player of the Match award.

In reply, PNG fought hard but were bowled out for 205 in 48.2 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Kipling Doriga top-scored with a composed 68 off 84 balls [5 fours, 1 six], while Patrick Nou [40 off 49], Sese Bau [34 off 38], and Damien Ravu [26 off 33] made useful contributions. However, regular wickets at key stages denied PNG the momentum needed to chase down the target.

Denmark’s bowlers kept the pressure on, led by Surya Anand [3/36], Shakeel Zeb [2/25], and Saif Ahmad [1/27], who shared the key breakthroughs. Earlier, PNG’s bowlers had also produced disciplined spells to restrict Denmark, but Ali’s innings proved the difference.

The Barramundis will look to bounce back when they meet Kuwait on Sunday, 24 August 2025, at Farmers Field.