Vala holds nerve as Papua New Guinea edge Denmark in last-over thriller

PAPUA New Guinea pulled off a thrilling four-wicket victory over Denmark, chasing down a formidable target of 305 with just five balls remaining in a pulsating encounter.

Captain Assad Vala was the hero, finishing unbeaten on 61 as PNG completed a superb run chase.

Earlier, Denmark had posted an imposing 304 for six, inspired by a magnificent unbeaten century from Lucky Ali. Ali struck 114, while skipper Hamid Shah contributed 73 as the pair helped Denmark build a commanding total.

Openers Musa Shaheen (31) and Shah provided a solid start, putting on 68 before Shaheen fell to Semo Kamea. Saif Ahmad added 22 and Taranjit Bharaj 26, while Kamea was the pick of the PNG attack with three for 64.

PNG's reply began shakily when Sese Bau departed for nine with just 21 on the board, but Tony Ura and Lega Siaka transformed the contest. The pair added 123 for the second wicket, Ura making 70 before falling to Abdullah Mahmood, who finished with excellent figures of four for 42.

Siaka continued the charge with a superb 83, while Patrick Nou contributed a valuable 54 to keep the chase firmly on course. However, Denmark refused to surrender, and Mahmood struck twice in quick succession to remove Dauncey Tom and Alei Nao, leaving PNG on 278 for six.

With 27 still required and the pressure mounting, Vala found a reliable partner in Kabua Morea. The pair held their nerve, adding an unbroken 29 to see their side home in the final over. Morea finished unbeaten on 14, while Vala's match-winning 61 capped a remarkable batting effort featuring four half-centuries.

Summary Score: Denmark 304/6 (50 overs; Lucky Ali 114*, Hamid Shah 73, Semo Kamea 3-64) lost to Papua New Guinea 307/6 (49.1 overs; Lega Siaka 83, Tony Ura 70, Assad Vala 61*, Patrick Nou 54, Abdullah Mahmood 4-42) by four wickets.