Kuwait crush PNG as Patel and Lathief wreak havoc

KUWAIT produced a devastating bowling display before cruising to a comprehensive ten-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea, completing a thoroughly one-sided contest with almost half their allotted overs to spare.

Yasin Patel and Nimish Lathief shared eight wickets as PNG were bundled out for a miserable 119 in 39.3 overs, before Clinto Anto and Meet Bhavsar made short work of the modest target.

Anto smashed an unbeaten 76 from just 67 deliveries, including seven fours and four sixes, while Bhavsar contributed a composed 44 not out as Kuwait raced to victory in only the 22nd over.

It was a chastening experience for PNG, whose batting never recovered from the loss of Tony Ura for a duck in the opening over. Sese Bau (20) and Doko Rupa (14) attempted to rebuild, but their departure triggered a spectacular collapse. From 56 for two, PNG slumped to 60 for seven as Patel and Lathief ripped through the middle order.

Skipper Assad Vala managed just one, while Patrick Nou departed without scoring as Kuwait tightened their grip on proceedings. Patel returned outstanding figures of four for 24 from his ten overs, including two maidens, while Lathief was equally impressive with four for 30.

Only some late resistance from Aue Oru, who top-scored with 25, and John Kariko (22) prevented complete humiliation. The pair helped add a little respectability to the total, but PNG's eventual 119 was never likely to trouble the Kuwait batsmen.

And so it proved.

Anto immediately went on the offensive, punishing anything loose and clearing the ropes four times in a dominant display of attacking batting. Bhavsar was content to play the supporting role, striking five boundaries as the pair completed an emphatic victory.

For Kuwait, it was a near-perfect performance, while PNG were left with plenty to ponder after being comprehensively outplayed in every department.

Summary Score: 
PNG 119 (39.3 overs; Aue Oru 25, John Kariko 22, Yasin Patel 4-24, Nimish Lathief 4-30) lost to Kuwait 123/0 (21.3 overs; Clinto Anto 76*, Meet Bhavsar 44*) by ten wickets.