PNG U19 national men’s and women’s cricket teams’ selection enters second phase

Cricket PNG’s selection process to finalise the Garamuts men’s under-19 team has entered its next phase with focus shifted to a 28-player train-on squad.

The wider squad will compete in 50-Over matches this weekend as part of its selection process to further trim the team.

The selection committee comprised of head of selectors David Bishop, Rodney Maha (Talent Identification Manager), Chris Amini (men’s selector), coach Vare, and senior manager & Barramundis coach Tatenda Taibu, will attend the trial games at Amini Park.

The committee will pick the final 18-men squad that will be announced in April.

The Barramundis academy side will head into a five-week training stint under the guidance of Vare and strength and conditioning coach Anthea Murray. 

The training program will include strategy and tactical classroom sessions and skill work training alongside strength and conditioning sessions.

This preparation will set the course for the Garamuts team who will travel to compete in the ICC East Asia Pacific (EAP) Division 2 Qualifier in Apia-Samoa in July.

Meanwhile, the U19 women’s team is also well into their preparation for their trip to Bali, Indonesia for the ICC EAP U19 World Cup Qualifier from May 13-22.

CPNG’s Talent Identification [TID] manager Maha said there was a lot of talent shown with U19 players from around PNG during the trials. Players from Milne Bay, Morobe, West New Britain and Central joined the majority of the group from NCD in the TID program.

“The coach of Siales U19 Women’s team, Mahuru Dai, is to make recommendations, as it is up to the coaches to look at the team makeup, for example, if they want more bowlers,” Maha said.

“The task has been given to the coaches to develop the best Siales combination to represent Papua New Guinea.

“PNG Siales must win in Bali to get a place in the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup in early 2025.”

The team is based around a core group of players from the Under 19 squad that took part in the Cricket Australia U19 Championship in December 2023.

The Siales are expected to play two T20 matches each Saturday over the next 3 weeks, starting this weekend.

Coach Dai said the selection of the U19 women’s outfit will be based on their skill level under pressure in match situations, and on March 18 during the conclusion of three-week matches, where a reduced 18-player Siales squad will be revealed.

Meanwhile, CPNG hopes to announce a preparation tour for the Siales next month.

Cricket PNG’s train-on squads for the next four weeks to get a spot to represent Papua New Guinea in the respective EAP Qualifiers.

Garamuts: Adrian Sila, Anaster Keimelo, Toua Nou, Vagi Morea, Wallace Nou, Ware Nou, Bapi Naime, Boe Tolana, Dai Mahuru, Dauncey Tom, David Taraka, Anthony David, Emmanuel Ravusiro, Frank Naime, Gaba Frank, Gad Pavey, Igo Morea, Jagu Tabua, Lekwa Nao, Lou Robert, Matagu Biri, Miria Griffin, Nou Gini, Oala Puka, Puka Raho, Raka Oala, Rarua Dikana Jnr, Sam Momo.

Siales: Annemarie Inogo, Aoma Kelly, Dadina Gaudi, Dika Lohia, Duna Alex, Esther Arua, Esther Vagi, Boio Vare, Gabe Thomas, Joy Momoru, Kevau Gabe, Lakshmi Rajadurai, Loa Ranu, Lorettha Kawambara, Mailoia Baker, Margaret Wari, Miria Raio, Nancy Kone, Ravu Ross, Reia Baeau, Riku Rei, Veavu Gerea, Warimo Ewana, Winnie Oa.