I think the batters that played today really let us down: Assad Vala

Papua New Guinea skipper Assad Vala blamed his batting unit for the loss against Uganda on June 5 (Wednesday) at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. PNG were bowled out for just 77, with Hiri Hiri (15) being the top scorer for the side. This was also their lowest total in T20Is.

"Because it was a new wicket, we didn't have a target set. We said to give ourselves a few overs then see how we go from there. As the game progressed, I think we didn't do that. I think the batters that played today really let ourselves down. We didn't do as we planned,” said Vala after the three-wicket defeat.

"We had a lot of soft dismissals. I think anything just over 100 was a good score on that wicket. It was a challenging wicket to bat on. They bowled really well but a lot of soft dismissals from us put them on top. They never gave us any chance to get back into the game. So, credit to them as well."

PNG bowlers, however, put up a good fight in the second innings and reduced Uganda to 26/5 inside seven overs. Riazat Ali Shah (56-ball 33) and Juma Miyagi (16-ball 13) then stood tall and have Uganda their first win a World Cup. Riazat was dropped when he was on 8 and that could have sealed the game for PNG, but it wasn’t meant to be.

"I thought that the effort from the bowlers really brought us back into the game. There weren't enough runs on the board for them to defend. We started really well with three early wickets. You need everything to go your way in a small total. We created the opportunities at the same time. When we need to take those chances, I don't know what to say anymore. It is a disappointing effort from us."

PNG’s next two games are against Afghanistan and New Zealand and Vala wants his team to play with the same energy they played against the West Indies. "We are coming up against two Full Member nations in Afghanistan and New Zealand in the next two games in Trinidad. I think we need to be up for that," he said. "We don't get the opportunity to play against those teams so when the opportunity is in front of us, we need to make the best of it.

"I think we need to have the full energy, determination and attitude towards playing against top teams. We got outplayed today, to be honest. We didn't play as well as we did against West Indies so we need to have the right attitude in the next two games."

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