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Representing one’s country in a World Cup event for any sport is always a big achievement for any player. In the first match of T20 World Cup 2021, Papua New Guinea (PNG) players were overwhelmed with emotions during their national anthem. Not just PNG cricketers but their support staff could not hold back their tears as their dream of playing in a World Cup event came true.
PNG are one of the eight teams who will compete in the first round of the mega event to qualify for the Super 12 stage. These eight teams have been divided into two groups and the top two will be part of Group 1 or Group 2 at the Super 12 stage, going up against big teams. PNG are in Group B with Bangladesh, Oman and Scotland.
In their first match against Oman, PNG had an ordinary outing as they could manage only 129/9 after opponent skipper asked them to bat first. While PNG openers bagged ducks on World Cup debut, skipper Assad Vala took charge of the innings and top-scored with 43-ball 56 including four fours and three sixes. Vala had support from Charles Amini, who scored 26-ball 37 before getting run out. But, PNG suffered a batting collapse in death overs which prevented them from posting a challenging total.
Chasing a target of 130, Oman openers made short work of it with their respective half-centuries. Vala used seven bowlers but could not break the opening partnership and ended up conceding a 10-wicket defeat with 38 balls to go at Al Ameerat Cricket Ground. Jatinder Singh finished the run chase with a maximum and remained not out for 73 whereas Aqib Illyas remained unbeaten for 50. The big loss in the first match had a major impact on Oman's net run rate as well which will become crucial later in the group stage.
