Core group maintained as PNG aim high for world cup campaign
The Papua New Guinea Barramundis are hoping to better their International Cricket Council Twenty-20 World Cup campaign as they prepare for a second appearance in the prestigious event slated for May 25 – June 29 in the West Indies and USA respectively.
Veteran and skipper Assadollah Vala has been tasked once again to lead the team with aspirations for a polished performance in this year’s edition of the ICC T20 World Cup.
Vala told NBC News that the PNG men’s national cricket team are serious on testing themselves against some of the world’s best and full-member nations in the tournament.
“The preparation has been good and boys have been working really hard,”
“We’re going there to try to win all the games. It’s going to be tough but we don’t want to be just making up numbers. We’re going there to be competitive and try to give everything we have got for our country.
“Hopefully we can put up the performance that we need to get us the results we want.”
PNG will kick off their dream run against hosts West Indies in a tough encounter before meeting Uganda, Afghanistan and New Zealand in the group C matches.
The team coached by Tatenda Taibu have kept the depth of the squad from the previous world cup with four new inclusions in Alei Nao, Hila Vare, John Kariko and Sema Kamea, who are set for a memorable debut ahead.
“Over the years they've been playing really good cricket to get the opportunity to make it into the World Cup,” Vala said of the four rookies.
“A lot of credit has to go to them for the performance they put in for the national team so I want to wish them all the best.
“And for the 11 that remained in the team, congratulations to those players as well, but it's all about the 15 players trying to play their role to the best of their ability during the World Cup.
“That's going to be crucial for us so everyone that's been called up and needs to be up and running when being called up so I'm really happy and proud with that squad we got.”
Vala confessed that preparations for the 2021 world cup were not on par as covid-19 pinned down their ambitions.
But the team is more than prepared now to go past the group stage after qualifying for the world cup through the EAP regional qualifiers last year.
He said the PNG outfit are looking forward to another opportunity and won’t be taking things lightly in the global event.
“When we went to the last World Cup the preparation was in up to scratch for international with the COVID around,” Vala admitted.
“We were a bit underprepared but no excuses this time. For us we're trying to win our first World Cup game, so it starts against West Indies so it's going to be a really big game in front of their own fans and a big team, so boys are looking forward to that opportunity.