Wednesday 28 July 2010

Toombul and Queensland Imparja Cup star Preston White has played a strong role for the Australian Indigenous team in Papua New Guinea, despite losing the Twenty20 series to the locals.

Co-captain White made a blistering 71 opening the batting in Game 2 as the national Indigenous team looked set to easily run down the PNG Barramundis target of 8-127.

However, a dramatic collapse saw the Australians needing four runs to win off the last ball, and Josh Lalor missed a gem of a delivery from PNG skipper Rarua Dikana.

The game took place in front of 3000 spectators and dignitaries at the official opening of the turf pitch at Amini Park.

Queensland spinner Chris Swain was among the best of the Australian Indigenous bowlers, taking 2-13.

The Australians also battled with the bat in the opening game, being humbled for 110.

The Barramundis mowed down the target with seven wickets and six balls to spare.

White took 1-24 off his four overs.