Papua New Guinea achieved another excellent result at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier on Wednesday when it defeated Canada by 52 runs to maintain its unbeaten record at the event.

And with the Netherlands and Uganda, who both lost its opening matches at the tournament, recording victories, the race is wide open to see who will make it to the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand this year.

After batting first, Sesse Bau (78) and Heni Siaka (66) put in outstanding displays with the bat to provide an excellent platform for some big hitting down the order from Steven Eno who made 34 not out from 24 balls, as Papua New Guinea reached 245-6 off 50 overs.

And then Raymond Haoda was in top form with the ball once again, winning the man-of-the-match award for his 3-31, which saw Canada reduced to 22-4 at one stage.

Only a brave last-wicket stand of 55 from Riyazkhan Pathan (28 not out) and Maninder Aulakh (18 not out) added some respectability to the score line although it finished well short on 193-9 off 50 overs.

“I thought we played very well with both bat and bat and we also did well with our fielding,” said John Reva, the Papua New Guinea skipper.

“We want to qualify for the U19 World Cup and get the experience of playing against some of the Test playing countries.”