CRICKET PNG has announced the team for the biggest tournament of the year, ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier East Asia Pacific Final.
This was revealed last week following the Isuzu T20 Smash last weekend at Amini Park. In this match, the Men's Division Mariners smashed Cassowaries in a thrilling match scoring 132 runs against Cassowaries.
The T20 World Cup Qualifier EAP Final will see Papua New Guinea batting against Japan, Vanuatu and the Philippines to seal a spot in the prestigious EAP World Cup qualifying tourney.
"Cricket PNG are proud to announce the Men’s squad for the upcoming EAP T20 World Cup Final to be held in Port Moresby from Saturday 22nd to Saturday 29th July 2023”, stated Cricket PNG Board Chairman Mick Harrison.
“We congratulate and support the team, as we host the first ever Cricket T20 World Cup EAP Finals in PNG”, stated Mick Harrison.
The PNG Barramundis will be led by Captain Assadollah VALA and Vice-Captain Lega SIAKA (6). The rest of the selected players are as follows, with shirt number: Charles AMINI (92), Sese BAU (34), Kiplin DORIGA (45), Jack GARDNER (54), Riley HEKURE (52), Hiri HIRI (55), Sema KAMEA (5), John KARIKO (75), Alei NAO (8), Tony URA (4), Kabua VAGI (67), Norman VANUA (2), Hila VARE (21), RESERVES: Chad SOPER, Jason KILA, Michael CHARLES.
They will be supported by HEAD COACH: Nathan Reardon, Team Manager/ Assistant Coach: John Ovia, Support 1 (Assistant Coach): Justin Sternes, Support 2 (Physiotherapist): Siyih Johang, Support 3 (Strength and Conditioning): Anthea Murray
"The Barras preparations are in full swing, and I am sure the other countries of Vanuatu, Philippines and Japan will be hot on their heels to win the tournament," stated Harrison.
Meanwhile, Cricket PNG Head Coach Nathan Reardon said that the players are aware of the positive impact of qualifying for the 2024 World Cup will have on cricket in PNG and are very excited for the EAP Finals.
“I am very confident as a head coach that we are physically and mentally ready to dominate this competition and book our ticket to the 2024 World Cup”, stated Reardon, Head Coach of the Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis Men’s Team.
“We have been blessed with the support of PacificAus Sports and Kumul Petroleum PNG to help with our preparations," said Head Coach Reardon. He also said that he is happy to be with CPNG again as he was part of the team when they qualified in Dubai with Joe Dawes.
“I saw how positive this was for everyone involved in PNG cricket so being a coach to potentially lead them into their 2nd World Cup is very special. With the support of our sponsor Pacific Aus Sports, CPNG has also had fantastic coaches on board over the last 3 months. This has helped Barras get their skills where they need to be to dominate this tournament. With the addition of Justin Sternes who has over 25 years of coaching experience, and as a selector, this has definitely helped me get the correct balance in our squad,” said Reardon.
"Physically, the team have had an outstanding 6-week lead up, with the ISUZU T20 SMASH sponsored by Boroko Motors Tournament, and centre wicket practices, there is no reason why we couldn’t be mentally prepared. This upcoming week is about sharpening the team’s skills, giving them some clarity around their individual roles and giving them the freedom to develop their skills. The players have 100% backing from the coaching team” he said.
Cricket PNG expressed its appreciation to Kumul Petroleum PNG and PacificAus Sports for their support to CPNG as well as PNG Coaching staff led by John Ovia who were on the ground each day to help with preparation.
"I encourage as many people to head to Amini Park to support the Barras and watch some outstanding international cricket throughout the tournament," said Head Coach Nathan Reardon.
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