Sharif on form for Scots in Port Moresby

SCOTLAND seamer Safyaan Sharif claimed four wickets as Papua New Guinea posted 285 for seven on the first day of their ICC Intercontinental Cup clash at Amini Park.

Sharif (four for 69) worked his way through the top order before being aided by Alasdair Evans, Mark Watt and Michael Leask, who took a wicket apiece.

Papua New Guinea opener Tony Ura was Sharif’s first victim before the right-armer dismissed Vani Morea after his knock of 53 from 52 balls.

Assad Vala followed two balls later and Sharif went on to bowl Lega Siaka (48) before the right-hander reached his half-century.

Sese Bau (52) did surpass the half-century mark and stints from Mahuru Dai (24) and Jack Vare (42) kept Papua New Guinea ticking over.

Chad Soper (32) and Norman Vanua (17) remain at the crease heading into the second day in Port Moresby with the hosts seeking to record their third win.

Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer admitted afterwards that it had been a demanding day.

He said: “It was a tough day in the heat, the guys plugged away and we didn’t quite get off to the start we would have liked but their top order batters played well.

“Saying that, we’ve come back into the game nicely now and are three wickets away from bowling them all out and then having a crack at batting.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan batsman Haris Sohail marked his maiden Test with an important half-century before Sri Lanka’s top order succumbed to spin in Abu Dhabi.

Sohail found the boundary rope nine times, clearing it twice, en route to 76 from 161 balls while Azhar Ali top-scored with 85 as Pakistan made 422 to eke out a three-run first-innings lead on day three of the first Test.

Rangana Herath claimed his 32nd fivewicket haul to ensure Pakistan’s advantage was minimal but the tourists limped to 69 for four at the close.