WINDHOEK, Namibia, CMC – Former Barbados Pride batsman Aaron Jones struck a critical half-century in the middle order to help fire United States to a crushing 117-run victory over Papua New Guinea in their ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off here Sunday.
The 28-year-old, who played the last of his nine first-class matches four years ago in the West Indies Championship, made 65 to be one of two players with half-centuries, opener Steven Taylor top-scoring with a Man-of-the-Match 81 as the USA tallied 235 for seven from their 50 overs.
In reply, Papua New Guinea was bundled out for 118 in the 35th over, former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 all-rounder, Gajanand Singh, doing the damage with four for 15 from 6.5 overs of off-spin.
Fast bowler Ali Khan provided support with three for 31 after being handed the new ball.
The victory was the third in four matches for the USA, while Papua New Guinea lies bottom of the six-team qualifier without a win in four games.
Choosing to bat first at Wanderers Cricket Ground, United States languished at 28 for two in the seventh over before Taylor and Jones came to their side’s rescue.
The left-handed Taylor struck half-dozen fours and a six in a calculated 133-ball knock, posting 41 for the third wicket with Monank Patel (17) before adding a further 89 for the fourth wicket with Jones, who lashed two fours and three sixes in a breezy 77-ball inning.
When Taylor fell early in the 40th over, Jones carried the innings in a 39-run, fifth-wicket stand with Gajanand (17) before departing at the start of the 46th.
Left-arm seamer Semo Kamea was Papua New Guinea’s best bowler, finishing with three for 32.
United States then stamped their authority on the contest when Ali Khan scythed through the top order to claim the first three wickets as Papua New Guinea slumped to 30 for three in the eighth over.
Captain Assad Vala, a 35-year-old left-hander, top-scored with 42 from 72 balls with three fours while stitching together a series of small partnerships, but the run chase lacked the momentum required as pressure steadily built and wickets tumbled.
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