Bermuda humbled in Dubai opener

Bermuda lost to Papua New Guinea by 43 runs in their World Cricket League opener in Dubai today.

Chasing 232 for victory, the islanders slumped to 188-all-out.

The game was expected to be one of the easier fixtures for Bermuda in the World Cricket League Division Two tournament and the result registers as a minor shock.

A half-century from Tony Ura and an unbeaten 46 from Vani Morea helped PNG to reach 231 for nine in their 50 overs.

Delyone Borden (3 for 43) and Dion Stovell (2 for 31) led the bowling for Bermuda.

But the batsman faltered in pursuit of the target.

Key man and opener David Hemp was out for a duck and Jason Anderson quickly followed with one. 

Dion Stovell (42). Chris Foggo (41) and Irving Romaine (31) all made solid contributions and Lionel Cann weighed in with a brisk 24 down the order.

But the tail crumbled and Bermuda were all out for 188. 

They now have to lift themselves for a must win game against Hong Kong tomorrow. 

On claiming victory on day one, PNG coach Greg Campbell said: “Today Tony Ura was key in the opening innings, definitely Man of the Match, and Mahuru Dai and Vani Morea down the bottom of the order, they were all key for us in today’s win.

“Vani did very well as it was his first time playing in a while.

“I think Bermuda challenged us today. Their captain David Hemp is very experienced and has played a lot of cricket.

“But you know Hong Kong and ourselves have shown today that we are not just here to fill spaces and keep numbers up — we’re here to stay.

“It feels good for the boys to get a win on the first day of the event on their first appearance in this division, but we just need to take each day as it comes throughout the event.”