Tony Ura blasts unbeaten century as PNG Barramundis crush South Korea by 136 runs

Papua New Guinea’s Barramundis delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat South Korea by 136 runs in Match 6 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Saturday.

Opening batsman Tony Ura produced a sensational unbeaten 106 off just 55 balls to guide PNG to a commanding total of 197/3 from their 20 overs before the Barramundis bowling attack dismantled South Korea for 61 in 19.4 overs.

Ura’s explosive innings included eight boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of 192.72, earning him Player of the Match honours. He shared a crucial 137-run opening partnership with experienced top-order batsman Sese Bau, who scored an impressive 59 from 41 deliveries, including five fours and two sixes.

The Barramundis maintained momentum throughout the innings with Ryan Ani contributing 9 runs on his international appearance, while Lega Siaka added 5. Patrick Nou remained unbeaten on 8 as PNG closed strongly in the final overs.

South Korea’s bowlers struggled to contain the PNG batting lineup, with Chamith Ranasinghe, Kuldeep Gurjar and Daham Madampage claiming one wicket each.Defending 197, the PNG team’s bowlers applied immediate pressure and never allowed South Korea to settle at the crease, eventually bowling them out for 61 to seal a comprehensive victory.

PNG’s bowling unit delivered a clinical performance with the ball, sharing wickets across the attack and restricting South Korea to just 61 runs in 19.4 overs. Fast bowler Aue Oru led the charge with outstanding figures of 4/11 from his four overs, striking early to remove key top-order batsmen and put South Korea under immediate pressure. Lega Siaka also impressed with 2/5, while Alei Nao, Assad Vala and Sese Bau claimed one wicket each in a disciplined display from the PNG Barramundis.

The PNG Barramundis bowlers consistently tightened the scoring rate, with South Korea losing wickets regularly throughout the innings and never recovering from a collapse that saw them slump to 22/4 inside the opening five overs. Patrick Nou bowled economically with figures of 0/4 from two overs, while captain Assadolla Vala and the fielding unit maintained pressure in the field, highlighted by sharp catches and a late run out to complete the emphatic 136-run victory.

The Barramandis first win strengthens PNG’s campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier as the PNG Barramundis continue their push towards qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup pathway.

PNG will now turn their focus to their next qualifier match against the Cook Islands in Japan.