Cricket enthusiasts around the globe are gearing up for the T20 World Cup set to set stages alight in the sunny climes of the West Indies and the metropolitan buzz of the UAE. Amidst the growing excitement, Papua New Guinea have announced their squad for what promises to be a thrilling showcase of the shortest format of cricket. The 15-member team is all set to represent the nation in its second appearance at the grand event. The journey of the Barramundis, as the team is popularly known, continues under the seasoned leadership of Assad Vala, who also captained during their debut at the tournament in 2021. Charles Amini has been named as the vice-captain, bringing his experience and skills to the strategic front.
The squad composition reflects both continuity and change, with 10 players retaining their place from the team that graced the event three years prior. Conversely, five notable omissions from the previous squad—Simon Atai, Jason Kila, Gaudi Toka, Nosaina Pokana, and Damien Ravu—have made way for fresh talent, signalling a period of transition and renewal for PNG Cricket. The immense effort put in by the dedicated cricketers is reflected in their hard-earned spots for the upcoming mega event.
Despite their challenging debut in 2021 where they fell to defeats against Oman, Scotland, and Bangladesh in the group stages, PNG is poised to return with renewed vigour and the aspiration to leave a more significant mark on the world stage. Skipper Vala, reflective yet optimistic, recalls the trials of preparing amidst a global pandemic. He commends the energy within the team and the higher quality of training enjoyed now, unimpeded by COVID-related restrictions.
“The energy has been great within the team. For some of the boys who went to the last T20 World Cup, it’s a different feeling now with a lot of the training, because the last time was during Covid and the preparation wasn’t as good as what we’re going through now. I am looking forward to this event because I know we are going to do well,” Vala said.
This newfound confidence is critical as PNG has been placed in the challenging group C, where they face formidable opponents such as co-hosts West Indies, cricketing powerhouses Afghanistan and New Zealand, and fellow competitors Uganda. Papua New Guinea will kick off their campaign against a West Indies team led by the charismatic Rovman Powell on June 2 in Guyana.
With its mix of experience and youth, the PNG squad for T20 World Cup 2024 includes veterans and emerging stars alike. The full roster features Assad Vala (captain), Charles Amini (vice-captain), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, and Tony Ura.
Each player’s unique skill set is a piece of the puzzle that could lead to an unprecedented success for Papua New Guinea at the T20 World Cup. As the tournament draws closer, preparations intensify, and the cricketing world casts its eyes on emerging teams like PNG, eager to see whether they can upset the established hierarchy and create their own legacy in the annals of cricketing history.
