St Saviour, Jersey: IndiaFirst Life Insurance brand ambassador Pushkar Sharma once again proved why he’s one of Kenya’s most dependable batters, crafting a commanding 78 off 102 balls in a rain-affected encounter against Papua New Guinea during the 2025 ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League A at Grainville Cricket Ground, Jersey.
After Papua New Guinea won the toss and elected to field, Kenya made the most of the conditions, posting a competitive 275 for 8 in 50 overs. Sharma, opening the innings, led from the front with 12 crisply timed boundaries, anchoring the innings with poise and flair.
He was well supported by experienced campaigners Rakep Patel (57 off 64) and Jasraj Kundi (52 off 39), who helped accelerate the scoring rate during the middle and final overs. Papua New Guinea’s bowling was led by Kabua Morea, who finished with 2 for 45 from his 10 overs, providing key breakthroughs but struggling to contain the Kenyan charge.
In reply, PNG reached 53 for 2 in 14.3 overs when rain brought an abrupt end to the contest. Hila Vare remained steady on 28 off 48 balls, while all-rounder Jasraj Kundi chipped in with the ball, taking 1 for 6 in his 2 overs. Although the match ended in a no result due to persistent rain, the spotlight remained on Pushkar Sharma – a rising figure in associate cricket and a proud ambassador for IndiaFirst Life Insurance.
Match Summary:
Kenya – 275/8 (50 overs)
Pushkar Sharma 78 (102), Rakep Patel 57 (64), Jasraj Kundi 52 (39)
Kabua Morea 2/45 (10)
Papua New Guinea – 53/2 (14.3 overs)
Hila Vare 28 (48)
Jasraj Kundi 1/6 (2)
Result: No Result (Rain)
Venue: Grainville Cricket Ground, St Saviour, Jersey, United Kingdom
Tournament: 2025 ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League A
Umpires: Nitin Bathi (Netherlands), Gazi Sohel (Bangladesh)
