Hosts Hong Kong got a welcome boost ahead of the WCL Division 3 tournament by defeating PNG in a relatively low scoring affair at Kowloon Cricket Club.
In a 45 over a side contest, PNG opener Assad Vala top scored with 60 from just 61 balls in his side's total of 167 all out in 43 overs.
Vala made full use of the compact surroundings in hitting no fewer than 10 fours, with a succession of well timed and placed drives and cuts.
He shared in a 52 run partnership for the third wicket with Mahura Dai (28), but the latter's dismissal saw PNG collapse alarmingly, losing six wickets for just 36 runs, as 95 for 2 quickly became 131 for 8.
Chris Kent with a well manufactured 20, and skipper Rarua Dikan (19*) staged a late rally, but 167 was at least 30 runs below par.
Hong Kong's attack shared the wickets, with two apiece for Tamiar Afzal (2-12), Nadeem Ahmed (2-14) and Aziaz Khan (2-23).
In reply, Hong Kong were soon in trouble, with Loa Nui (1-16) and Rarua Dikana (2-28) reducing them to 55 for 4.
Youngsters Mark Chapman and Nizakat Khan steadied the ship, adding 46 for the fifth wicket as both combined some elegant boundaries with smart running between the wickets.
16 year old Chapman simply oozed class as he struck seven fours and a six in his 41 from 44 balls, while Nizakat batted well for his 20.
Both fell in quick succession, and the game was very much in the balance at 128 for 7. Skipper Najeeb Amar went on the offensive to sooth any frayed nerves, as he smashed an unbeaten 30 from just 17 balls (2 sixes, 2 fours), sharing in an unbroken 8th wicket stand of 40 in just 5 overs with Waqas Barkat (17*).
Hong Kong coach Charlie Burke will be pleased with the win, although he will realize that there are tough games ahead. For PNG coach Andy Bichel, the batting frailties of his side will give the former Australia test star cause for concern ahead of the tournament which gets under way on Saturday.
WCL Div 3 Warm Up game
At Kowloon CC, Hong Kong beat PNG by 3 wickets.
PNG 167 all out (43 overs, Assad Vala 60, Mahura Dai 28, Chris Kent 20, Rarua Dikana 19*, Tamiar Afzal 2-12, Nadeem Ahmed 2-14, Aziaz Khan 2-23) lost to Hong Kong 168-7 (38 overs, Mark Chapman 41, Najeen Amar 30*, Waqas Barkat 17*, Rarua Dikana 2-28).