Papua New Guinea's hopes of qualifying for the Twenty20 World Cup have been given a serious shot in the arm after a stunning victory over Ireland.
In their latest warm-up fixture ahead of the start of a 16-team qualifying tournament in the United Arab Emirates, the Barramundi's posted 161 for 8 before restricting their opponents to 143 for 7.
Former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones top scored for the second match running with 39 from 26 balls, while John Reva was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 25 from four overs.
Ireland are the top ranked team at the tournament and have qualified for the last three World T20 events.
The General Manager of Cricket PNG, Greg Campbell, says it's a great boost for the team's confidence.
"The boys are fairly happy. They've also got their feet on the ground knowing it's a long way to go but it's a great start for us the two warm up games leading into the T20 World Cup. We play Kenya in a days time, we've got a rest day tomorrow and they've won their two games but all in all it's gone really well."
The top six countries earning a place at next year's World Cup in Bangladesh.
