Posted by Papua New Guinea (PNG) will be competing in their maiden ICC global tournament the T20 World Cup that’s scheduled in October-November in UAE and Onam. Regular skipper Assadollah Vala will continue to lead the side in the mega ICC tournament.
Papua New Guinea have named a competitive 16 man squad for the T20 World Cup, they’ll first be competing in round 1 to qualify for the super 12 and will fancy their chances with the squad named. PNG during the 2019 T20 World Cup qualifiers finished as runners up losing to Netherlands in the finals, PNG won 5 of their 6 group stage matches.
PNG have a good mix of experienced and young faces, all-rounder Norman Vanua and opener Tony Ura will be key for PNG’s success. The conditions in UAE and Onam (co-host) are spin friendly and a lot will rely on their spin all-rounder Charles Amini. Barramundis will wish these men have a good run leading into the tournament and help PNG go through to the super 12.
PNG isn’t a side with superstars but their skill set is good enough to compete at the big stage. Few players of PNG have just taken baby steps in international cricket and haven’t really got going. The batting revolves around the same few men and this will remain their area of concern, the batting department has a very small sample size and few are fresh faces. Tony Ura and Assad Vala the senior men will lead charge but will need contributions.
All-rounders department for PNG is a big plus and their strength, excellent group of men who are expected to deliver at the big stage. The bowling depart too won’t be a concern for PNG, they have a good bowling attack and have a lot of variety in their bowling which is a standout. PNG will bank on their bowling and all-rounders department to help them win games.
PNG will be up against co-host Onam on the opening day, 17th of October to kick start their T20 World Cup campaign. They next take on Scotland on the 19th of October and for their final game of round 1 they’ll face Bangladesh on the 21st. They’ll need to start with win a against Onam and then will have to get thier best game against the favourites Bangladesh to go through to the super 12. Qualifying here for PNG will be a massive success.
PNG’S T20 WORLD CUP SQUAD : Assadollah Vala (c), Charles Jorden Amini, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Nosaina Pokana, Kipling Doriga, Tony Ura, Hiri Hiri, Gaudi Toka, Sese Bau, Damien Ravu, Kabua Vagi Morea, Simon Atai, Jason Kila, Chad Soper and Jack Gardner.
PNG will fancy their chances of making it to the super 12 but need to address and be clear with roles of batters and will need handy contributions from the finishers and tailenders, will have to contribute as one unit.
Bureau of sports 