NBC Auris upset corporate cricket giants BSP to maintain top spot
National Broadcasting Corporation delivered one of its memorable performances over the weekend against Bank South Pacific with a stunning one-run victory in corporate cricket.
The pool A encounter was dubbed as NBC Auris stellar outing this season as the game went down to wire at Bisini Cricket Oval on Sunday.
After electing to bat first, the NBC Auris recorded 107 runs in 10 overs with BSP requiring 108 runs to win the match.
BSP Masters had everything under control, needing only 3 runs to cruise home and earn NBC its first loss of the season but the show of courage and confidence by the Eslon Wafihwaieh-captained side upstaged the bankers in the 8th over.
“We just have to work together as a team. Correct our mistakes in all areas, back to basics and since we have few newbies, we have to have a separate practice and learn the basic and drills for cricket,” BSP captain Junius Ani told NBC News after the narrow defeat.
“It's a team game so we all have to work together.”
The experienced hands of former PNG Barramundis star Maru Hobert along with perfect fielding of emerging talent Gima Ila stunned BSP in front of a captivating Bisini supporters.
Hobert’s balling expertise played a crucial role on the pitch, putting BSP’s batter Daniel Tokai under pressure in the last two overs.
The Auris veteran using his capability delivered a perfect ball to Tokai, which was blustered in air and perfectly landed in the hands of youngster Ila, eventually producing the winning catch.
“I had to step in to deliver in the second last over. We knew BSP were going to win the game but we hoped to try our best which led us to victory,” Hobert said after the victory.
BSP managed 106 runs as NBC put stoppage to the game within 8 overs to remain undefeated and maintain the top spot of the competition.
NBC captain Eslon Wafihwaieh praised his side for a strong performance and commended the female contingent for coping to the pace of the mixed T10 match.
The Auris will now prepare to face another daunting task against Coca-Cola Southern Stars this Saturday before meeting competition heavyweights Digicel Redbacks next week.